Lower Kezar Falls
Key Takeaway
Lower Kezar Falls is classified as low hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 9 ft (taller than 13% in ME) |
| Dam Length | 440 ft |
| Dam Type | Timber Crib |
| Max Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 417 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,180 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
| NID ID | ME00044 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Kezar Falls Hydro, LLC
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Village
Oxford, ME
Low Hazard 14 ftUpper Kezar Falls - Approach Channel
York, ME
Low Hazard 11 ftUpper Kezar Falls - Main Channel
Oxford, ME
Low Hazard 8 ftStanley Pond
Oxford, ME
Low Hazard 9 ftBlack Pond
Oxford, ME
Low Hazard 9 ftColcord Pond
Oxford, ME
Significant Hazard 11 ftBickford Pond
Oxford, ME
Significant Hazard 11 ftHiram
Oxford, ME
Low Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lower Kezar Falls?
Lower Kezar 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 Lower Kezar Falls?
Lower Kezar Falls is owned by Kezar Falls Hydro, LLC (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lower Kezar Falls built?
Lower Kezar Falls was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Lower Kezar Falls?
Lower Kezar Falls serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lower Kezar Falls?
Lower Kezar Falls has a dam height of 9 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 Lower Kezar Falls last inspected?
Lower Kezar Falls was last inspected on June 28, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.