Burnt Mills Dam

Northwest Branch· Montgomery, Maryland· Built 1930· Earth· 23 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Burnt Mills Dam is classified as significant hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 55.9% in MD)
Dam Length230 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage97 acre-ft
Normal Storage38 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area27 sq mi
Max Discharge12,285 cfs
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
Year Modified1930
NID IDMD00228

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: May 22, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MD Dam Safety

Ownership

MNCPPC-Burnt Mills

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Burnt Mills Dam?

Burnt Mills Dam 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 Burnt Mills Dam?

Burnt Mills Dam is owned by MNCPPC-Burnt Mills (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Burnt Mills Dam built?

Burnt Mills Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Burnt Mills Dam?

Burnt Mills Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Burnt Mills Dam?

Burnt Mills Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Burnt Mills Dam last inspected?

Burnt Mills Dam was last inspected on May 22, 2019. 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.