Glen Elyn Upper Dam

Little Gunpower Falls-TR· Harford, Maryland· Built 1975· Earth· 19 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Glen Elyn Upper Dam is classified as significant hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 19 ft (taller than 39.6% in MD)
Dam Length230 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage23 acre-ft
Normal Storage4 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge516 cfs
Year Completed1975 (51 years old)
NID IDMD00408

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: November 9, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MD Dam Safety

Ownership

Glen Elyn Homeowners Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Glen Elyn Upper Dam?

Glen Elyn Upper 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 Glen Elyn Upper Dam?

Glen Elyn Upper Dam is owned by Glen Elyn Homeowners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Glen Elyn Upper Dam built?

Glen Elyn Upper Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Glen Elyn Upper Dam?

Glen Elyn Upper Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Glen Elyn Upper Dam?

Glen Elyn Upper Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Glen Elyn Upper Dam last inspected?

Glen Elyn Upper Dam was last inspected on November 9, 2020. 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.