Moosehead - West Outlet

Kennebec River· Somerset, Maine· Built 1835· Concrete· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Water Supply Flood Risk Reduction Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Moosehead - West Outlet is classified as significant hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1835 and is 191 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 74.1% in ME)
Dam Length830 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage1.1M acre-ft
Normal Storage1.1M acre-ft
Surface Area74,200 acres
Drainage Area1,268 sq mi
Max Discharge3,900 cfs
Year Completed1835 (191 years old)
NID IDME00092

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 20, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Kennebec Water Power Company

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Moosehead - West Outlet?

Moosehead - West Outlet is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Moosehead - West Outlet?

Moosehead - West Outlet is owned by Kennebec Water Power Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Moosehead - West Outlet built?

Moosehead - West Outlet was completed in 1835, making it 191 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 Moosehead - West Outlet?

Moosehead - West Outlet serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation, Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Moosehead - West Outlet?

Moosehead - West Outlet has a dam height of 20 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 Moosehead - West Outlet last inspected?

Moosehead - West Outlet was last inspected on September 20, 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.