Lake Roland Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Roland Dam is classified as high hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1861 and is 165 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 | 42 ft (taller than 87.1% in MD) |
| Dam Length | 322 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 37 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 41,190 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1861 (165 years old) |
| NID ID | MD00104 |
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
Baltimore County Dept of Public Works
Local Government
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High Hazard 59 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Roland Dam?
Lake Roland Dam 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 Roland Dam?
Lake Roland Dam is owned by Baltimore County Dept of Public Works (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Roland Dam built?
Lake Roland Dam was completed in 1861, making it 165 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 Roland Dam?
Lake Roland Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Roland Dam?
Lake Roland Dam has a dam height of 42 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 Roland Dam last inspected?
Lake Roland Dam was last inspected on July 1, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.