Columbia Creek Dam

Rewastico Creek-TR-Columbia Cr· Wicomico, Maryland· Built 1987· Gravity· 14 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Columbia Creek Dam is classified as low hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1987 and is 39 years old. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 16.8% in MD)
Dam Length425 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage68 acre-ft
Normal Storage26 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge400 cfs
Year Completed1987 (39 years old)
Year Modified1987
NID IDMD00293

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 4, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MD Dam Safety

Ownership

Bruce E. Nichols

Private

Nearby Dams

Rewastico Pond (Athol Road)

Wicomico, MD

Low Hazard 10 ft

Riawakin Pond (Nanticoke Road)

Wicomico, MD

Low Hazard 13 ft

Anderson Mill Pond (Pemberton Drive)

Wicomico, MD

Low Hazard 11 ft

Mitchell Pond #1 (Nanticoke Road)

Wicomico, MD

Significant Hazard 9 ft

Johnsons Pond

Wicomico, MD

Significant Hazard 23 ft

Allen Town Pond (Allen Road)

Somerset, MD

Low Hazard 8 ft

Camden Avenue Dam

Wicomico, MD

Low Hazard 12 ft

Morris Mill Pond (South Division Street)

Wicomico, MD

High Hazard 12 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Columbia Creek Dam?

Columbia Creek Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Columbia Creek Dam?

Columbia Creek Dam is owned by Bruce E. Nichols (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Columbia Creek Dam built?

Columbia Creek Dam was completed in 1987, making it 39 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 Columbia Creek Dam?

Columbia Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Columbia Creek Dam?

Columbia Creek Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Columbia Creek Dam last inspected?

Columbia Creek Dam was last inspected on August 4, 2016. 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.