Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive)

Gunners Branch· Montgomery, Maryland· Built 1985· Earth· 28 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive) is classified as significant hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1985 and is 41 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 70.5% in MD)
Dam Length1,700 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage646 acre-ft
Normal Storage145 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge2,580 cfs
Year Completed1985 (41 years old)
NID IDMD00279

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: May 5, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MD Dam Safety

Ownership

Montgomery County DEP

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive)?

Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive) 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 Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive)?

Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive) is owned by Montgomery County DEP (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive) built?

Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive) was completed in 1985, making it 41 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 Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive)?

Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive) 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 Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive)?

Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive) has a dam height of 28 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 Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive) last inspected?

Gunners Lake (Wisteria Drive) was last inspected on May 5, 2022. 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.