Centennial Park Dam
Key Takeaway
Centennial Park Dam is classified as high hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1985 and is 41 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 42 ft (taller than 87.1% in MD) |
| Dam Length | 1,025 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 510 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 50 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 13,897 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1985 (41 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1985 |
| NID ID | MD00263 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Howard County Parks Dept
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Wilde Lake Dam
Howard, MD
Significant Hazard 28 ftLake Kittamaqundi
Howard, MD
Low Hazard 7 ftLutheran Village At Millers Grant Pond 1 (Vals Lane)
Howard, MD
Significant Hazard 18 ftWaiting Springs Swm Pond
Howard, MD
Significant Hazard 12 ftMd Route 104 Swm Pond (Sha Bmp 130077)
Howard, MD
Significant Hazard 17 ftQuaker Mill Flood Control Dam
Howard, MD
Significant Hazard 15 ftGlenmar Pond 2 Dam
Howard, MD
Significant Hazard 3 ftHobbits Glen Golf Course Dam
Howard, MD
Significant Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Centennial Park Dam?
Centennial Park Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Centennial Park Dam?
Centennial Park Dam is owned by Howard County Parks Dept (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Centennial Park Dam built?
Centennial Park Dam was completed in 1985, making it 41 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 Centennial Park Dam?
Centennial Park Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Centennial Park Dam?
Centennial Park Dam has a dam height of 42 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 Centennial Park Dam last inspected?
Centennial Park Dam was last inspected on April 22, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.