Lake Linganore

Linganore Creek· Frederick, Maryland· Built 1972· Earth· 63 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Linganore is classified as high hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 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	63 ft (taller than 94.2% in MD)
Dam Length	750 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	7.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage	2.7K acre-ft

Surface Area	220 acres
Drainage Area	82 sq mi
Max Discharge	31,093 cfs
Year Completed	1972 (54 years old)
NID ID	MD00021

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: July 20, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: MD Dam Safety

Ownership

Lake Linganore Association

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Linganore?

Lake Linganore 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 Linganore?

Lake Linganore is owned by Lake Linganore Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Linganore built?

Lake Linganore was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Linganore?

Lake Linganore serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lake Linganore?

Lake Linganore has a dam height of 63 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 Linganore last inspected?

Lake Linganore was last inspected on July 20, 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.