Flagstaff Lake (Maine)
Encyclopedia
Flagstaff Lake is located in Somerset County
and Franklin County, Maine
in the United States
. The North Branch Dead River and South Branch Dead River join in the lake, forming the Dead River.
Flagstaff Lake used to be smaller until the Long Falls Dam impounded the Dead River in 1950, enlarging the lake
and turning it into a reservoir used for hydropower electricity production by regulating the flow of the Dead River into the Kennebec River
. At the time, the river drive was still a primary means of delivering timber to the pulp mills downstream. Although improved highways and the trucking industry have replaced the river drive, water releases continue to serve hydroelectric power-generating plants downstream.
Flagstaff Lake occupies parts of the abandoned and now submerged townships of Flagstaff
, Bigelow, Dead River and Carrying Place.
The lake's surface area is 20300 acres (82.2 km²). It is extremely shallow (more so during drought years). Its deepest point is 48 feet (14.6 m). Landlocked salmon and brook trout can be caught. Some points on the lake are very marshy and have to be negotiated with a canoe or kayak; even then, wading may be necessary in the marshy areas to get through to the rest of the lake.
The majestic Bigelow Mountain
Range looks down from the lake's southern shore, making the Flagstaff Lake region a scenic favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
Somerset County, Maine
Somerset County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of 2010, the population was 52,228. Its county seat is Skowhegan.-History:...
and Franklin County, Maine
Franklin County, Maine
Franklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of 2010, the population was 30,768. Its county seat is Farmington.Franklin County was established on 9 May 1838.-Geography:...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The North Branch Dead River and South Branch Dead River join in the lake, forming the Dead River.
Flagstaff Lake used to be smaller until the Long Falls Dam impounded the Dead River in 1950, enlarging the lake
Lake
A lake is a body of relatively still fresh or salt water of considerable size, localized in a basin, that is surrounded by land. Lakes are inland and not part of the ocean and therefore are distinct from lagoons, and are larger and deeper than ponds. Lakes can be contrasted with rivers or streams,...
and turning it into a reservoir used for hydropower electricity production by regulating the flow of the Dead River into the Kennebec River
Kennebec River
The Kennebec River is a river that is entirely within the U.S. state of Maine. It rises in Moosehead Lake in west-central Maine. The East and West Outlets join at Indian Pond and the river then flows southward...
. At the time, the river drive was still a primary means of delivering timber to the pulp mills downstream. Although improved highways and the trucking industry have replaced the river drive, water releases continue to serve hydroelectric power-generating plants downstream.
Flagstaff Lake occupies parts of the abandoned and now submerged townships of Flagstaff
Flagstaff, Maine
Flagstaff is a ghost town and former town in Somerset County, Maine, United States, near the existing town of Eustis and about 20 miles north of Rangeley...
, Bigelow, Dead River and Carrying Place.
The lake's surface area is 20300 acres (82.2 km²). It is extremely shallow (more so during drought years). Its deepest point is 48 feet (14.6 m). Landlocked salmon and brook trout can be caught. Some points on the lake are very marshy and have to be negotiated with a canoe or kayak; even then, wading may be necessary in the marshy areas to get through to the rest of the lake.
The majestic Bigelow Mountain
Mount Bigelow (Maine)
Mount Bigelow is a long mountain ridge with several summits. It is located in Franklin County and Somerset County, Maine. It is one of Maine's highest summits...
Range looks down from the lake's southern shore, making the Flagstaff Lake region a scenic favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.