Gerwig Lane Swm

Little Patuxent River-TR· Howard, Maryland· Built 1980· Earth·

Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Gerwig Lane Swm is classified as significant hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Type	Earth

Year Completed	1980 (46 years old)
NID ID	MD00579

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: September 8, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: MD Dam Safety

Ownership

Howard County

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Lake Elkhorn

Howard, MD

High Hazard 26 ft

Oakhurst Section 1 Swm Dam (Oakhurst Drive)

Howard, MD

High Hazard 12 ft

Warfield Range Dam (Hunters Way)

Howard, MD

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Dobbin Road Swm Pond

Howard, MD

Significant Hazard 36 ft

Gateway Village Pond

Howard, MD

Significant Hazard 19 ft

Waiting Springs Swm Pond

Howard, MD

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Mary Lee Lane Swm Dam

Howard, MD

Significant Hazard 11 ft

Columbia Gateway Dam

Howard, MD

High Hazard 36 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gerwig Lane Swm?

Gerwig Lane Swm 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 Gerwig Lane Swm?

Gerwig Lane Swm is owned by Howard County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gerwig Lane Swm built?

Gerwig Lane Swm was completed in 1980, making it 46 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 Gerwig Lane Swm?

Gerwig Lane Swm 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.

When was Gerwig Lane Swm last inspected?

Gerwig Lane Swm was last inspected on September 8, 2021. 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.