Upper Dam

Piscataquis River· Piscataquis, Maine· Built 1908· Concrete· 12 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Dam is classified as low hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1908 and is 118 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 32.9% in ME)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage200 acre-ft
Normal Storage200 acre-ft
Surface Area30 acres
Drainage Area295 sq mi
Max Discharge22,000 cfs
Year Completed1908 (118 years old)
NID IDME00157

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: August 3, 2023
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Town of Dover-Foxcroft, ME

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Dam?

Upper Dam 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 Upper Dam?

Upper Dam is owned by Town of Dover-Foxcroft, ME (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Dam built?

Upper Dam was completed in 1908, making it 118 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 Upper Dam?

Upper Dam 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 Upper Dam?

Upper Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Upper Dam last inspected?

Upper Dam was last inspected on August 3, 2023. 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.