Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail)

Mill Creek· Calvert, Maryland· Built 1965· Earth· 46 ft tall

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Private

Key Takeaway

Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail) is classified as high hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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	46 ft (taller than 90.6% in MD)
Dam Length	640 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	2.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage	1.5K acre-ft

Surface Area	97 acres
Drainage Area	3 sq mi
Max Discharge	7,250 cfs
Year Completed	1965 (61 years old)
NID ID	MD00039

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: May 18, 2023

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: MD Dam Safety

Ownership

Chesapeake Ranch Estates

Private

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Holton Pond Dam

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Norris Dam

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Wildewood Community Dam

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St Marys River Watershed Site 1

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Tower Hill Community Pond Dam (Tower Hill Road)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail)?

Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail) 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 Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail)?

Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail) is owned by Chesapeake Ranch Estates (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail) built?

Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail) was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail)?

Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail) 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 Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail)?

Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail) has a dam height of 46 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 Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail) last inspected?

Chesapeake Ranch Estates Dam (Chisolm Trail) was last inspected on May 18, 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.