Lake Elkhorn
Key Takeaway
Lake Elkhorn is classified as high hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 26 ft (taller than 64.5% in MD) |
| Dam Length | 662 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 910 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 225 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 49 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,912 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
| NID ID | MD00125 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Columbia Association
Private
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Significant Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Elkhorn?
Lake Elkhorn is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lake Elkhorn?
Lake Elkhorn is owned by Columbia Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Elkhorn built?
Lake Elkhorn was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Lake Elkhorn?
Lake Elkhorn 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 Lake Elkhorn?
Lake Elkhorn has a dam height of 26 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 Lake Elkhorn last inspected?
Lake Elkhorn was last inspected on July 29, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.