Salmon Lake

Mill Stream· Kennebec, Maine· Built 1896· Concrete· 11 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Salmon Lake is classified as significant hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1896 and is 130 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 27.3% in ME)
Dam Length134 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage4.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.7K acre-ft
Surface Area1,158 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Year Completed1896 (130 years old)
Year Modified1956
NID IDME00417

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: Yes
Last Inspection: July 8, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MEMA

Ownership

Belgrade

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Salmon Lake?

Salmon Lake 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 Salmon Lake?

Salmon Lake is owned by Belgrade (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Salmon Lake built?

Salmon Lake was completed in 1896, making it 130 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 Salmon Lake?

Salmon Lake serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Salmon Lake?

Salmon Lake has a dam height of 11 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 Salmon Lake last inspected?

Salmon Lake was last inspected on July 8, 2016. 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.