Great Falls Estate Dam
Key Takeaway
Great Falls Estate Dam is classified as low hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 34 ft (taller than 78.9% in MD) |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 134 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 34 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 160 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1963 |
| NID ID | MD00049 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Potomac Falls Nature Conservancy Assoc
Private
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Low Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Great Falls Estate Dam?
Great Falls Estate 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 Great Falls Estate Dam?
Great Falls Estate Dam is owned by Potomac Falls Nature Conservancy Assoc (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Great Falls Estate Dam built?
Great Falls Estate Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Great Falls Estate Dam?
Great Falls Estate Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Great Falls Estate Dam?
Great Falls Estate Dam has a dam height of 34 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 Great Falls Estate Dam last inspected?
Great Falls Estate Dam was last inspected on October 26, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.