Gilman Falls

Stillwater River· Penobscot, Maine· Built 1906· Concrete· 8 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Gilman Falls is classified as low hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1906 and is 120 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 4.6% in ME)
Dam Length462 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage2.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.3K acre-ft
Surface Area235 acres
Drainage Area7,600 sq mi
Max Discharge35,132 cfs
Year Completed1906 (120 years old)
NID IDME83006

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 13, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Black Bear Hydro Partners, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gilman Falls?

Gilman Falls is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Gilman Falls?

Gilman Falls is owned by Black Bear Hydro Partners, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gilman Falls built?

Gilman Falls was completed in 1906, making it 120 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Gilman Falls?

Gilman Falls serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Gilman Falls?

Gilman Falls has a dam height of 8 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Gilman Falls last inspected?

Gilman Falls was last inspected on September 13, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.