Lake Merle (Eaglehead Drive)

Linganore Creek-TR· Frederick, Maryland· Built 1971· Earth· 44 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Merle (Eaglehead Drive) is classified as significant hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 44 ft (taller than 88.2% in MD)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage303 acre-ft
Normal Storage141 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,500 cfs
Year Completed1971 (55 years old)
NID IDMD00072

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: July 20, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MD Dam Safety

Ownership

Lake Linganore Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Merle (Eaglehead Drive)?

Lake Merle (Eaglehead 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 Lake Merle (Eaglehead Drive)?

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

When was Lake Merle (Eaglehead Drive) built?

Lake Merle (Eaglehead Drive) was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Merle (Eaglehead Drive)?

Lake Merle (Eaglehead Drive) 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 Lake Merle (Eaglehead Drive)?

Lake Merle (Eaglehead Drive) has a dam height of 44 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 Merle (Eaglehead Drive) last inspected?

Lake Merle (Eaglehead Drive) 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.