Lake Auburn
Key Takeaway
Lake Auburn is classified as high hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1946 and is 80 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 17 ft (taller than 65.2% in ME) |
| Dam Length | 80 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 34.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 29.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,300 acres |
| Drainage Area | 18 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1946 (80 years old) |
| NID ID | ME00019 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Gulf Island
Androscoggin, ME
High Hazard 99 ftDeer Rips
Androscoggin, ME
Low Hazard 54 ftLewiston Falls
Androscoggin, ME
Low Hazard 27 ftBarker Mill Lower
Androscoggin, ME
Low Hazard 30 ftNorth Auburn
Androscoggin, ME
High Hazard 12 ftParson's Mill
Androscoggin, ME
Low Hazard 10 ftBarker Mill Upper
Androscoggin, ME
Low Hazard 24 ftNezinscot River
Androscoggin, ME
Significant Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Auburn?
Lake Auburn is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lake Auburn?
Lake Auburn is owned by Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Auburn built?
Lake Auburn was completed in 1946, making it 80 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 Lake Auburn?
Lake Auburn serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Auburn?
Lake Auburn has a dam height of 17 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 Lake Auburn last inspected?
Lake Auburn was last inspected on May 5, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.