Rangeley Dam Bridge Removal

Based upon inspections, engineering, and safety assessments, the Rangeley Dam bridge located on Hatchery Road in Oquossoc will be taken out of service and permanently removed.  The work is expected to begin on September 1 and will be completed by mid-September.   Access on each side will be barricaded.

Upper Dam Road Repairs 

August 13, 2021  – Starting on Wednesday, August 18, Brookfield Renewable will be conducting road repairs on Upper Dam Road.  The repairs will include grading and section repairs for a 4.5-mile section of road, from Route 16 to the start of Brookfield property at Upper Dam.  The repairs are expected to conclude on or around August 24 and the schedule may be subject to change due to weather conditions.   No delays are expected as a result of this work.

Upper Dam Project & Road Update

May 11, 2021 – As a follow-up to the April 19 update, Brookfield White Pine Hydro continues to make progress on the Upper Dam project. Despite setbacks caused by high winds and other weather-related issues, we remain on track to finish the project on or around May 22. Total removal and demobilization of the equipment may take several days after the May 22 completion date.

Workers install sheet piles at the Upper Dam project.  

In accordance with the State of Maine road agreement, the #1 gate was closed to the public during mud season, and the road is expected to open on May 21. The road is currently undergoing maintenance. Portions of the road are being resurfaced with large shale, and these portions of the road will be coated with gravel by Memorial Day. Prior to Memorial Day, trucks are recommended and road users are advised to proceed with caution and drive at low speeds to avoid vehicle and tire damage.

Mooselookmeguntic Lake continues to track with its long-term average elevation. More information on the Androscoggin watershed conditions will be forthcoming pending expanding drought conditions.

Thanks to all parties that we share the roadways with while we safely complete these projects before summer recreation season.

 

Rangeley Region Current Conditions – April 19, 2021

In general, for the Rangeley region, the winter brought below-average snowpack and we are currently experiencing the ongoing challenges of abnormally dry spring conditions.  Compared to previous years, ice out in the Rangeley region is running an average of two to three weeks ahead for the 2021 season.  As you may know with early spring and early ice out, many camp owners and recreation goers want to get a head start on the season.  With below-average snowpack and expanding drought conditions, future precipitation will be necessary to improve watershed conditions.

Upper Dam Project – April 19, 2021

Following up on the March 26 update, Brookfield Renewable will be conducting maintenance work at Upper Dam.  The work started on site the week of March 29 and has been extended to conclude on or around May 21, 2021.  The work is expected to take place on Mondays through Saturdays during daylight hours.

To address minor seepage within the middle embankment observed in 2020, the project will involve utilizing heavy equipment to install sheet piles at Upper Dam.  Taking this proactive approach will help prevent a lengthier and more large-scale project during the summer and fall months that could possibly require a lake drawdown and impact recreation.  The sheet pile project does not require a drawdown, nor is it expected to impact lake elevation levels at this time.

Please be advised that there will be construction noise within the immediate area and the dam’s bridge is expected to remain closed throughout the project.  In accordance with the State of Maine road agreement, the #1 gate will be closed during mud season to the public and is expected to open in mid-May.

Despite the lack of snowpack and the ongoing challenges of dry spring conditions, Mooselookmeguntic Lake is currently tracking with its long-term average elevation.  Compared to previous years, ice out in the region is running an average of two to three weeks ahead for the 2021 season.  With a below-average snowpack and expanding drought conditions, future precipitation will be necessary to help fill the region’s reservoirs.

Rangeley Gates Project – April 19, 2021

The maintenance project to replace the gates at Rangeley is currently underway.   Specifically, the Rangeley Gate Project will replace the sluice gate and 1-2 of the deep gates.  Installing more than one deep gate at this time will depend on weather conditions and water levels.

May 11 Update – The Rangeley gate project is was completed on April 29.