Lonaconing Reservoir

Jackson Run· Allegany, Maryland· Built 1895· Earth· 20 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lonaconing Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1895 and is 131 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 20 ft (taller than 41.2% in MD)
Dam Length185 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage22 acre-ft
Normal Storage20 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge65 cfs
Year Completed1895 (131 years old)
NID IDMD00251

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: December 29, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MD Dam Safety

Ownership

Lonaconing Water Co

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lonaconing Reservoir?

Lonaconing Reservoir 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 Lonaconing Reservoir?

Lonaconing Reservoir is owned by Lonaconing Water Co (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lonaconing Reservoir built?

Lonaconing Reservoir was completed in 1895, making it 131 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 Lonaconing Reservoir?

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

How tall is Lonaconing Reservoir?

Lonaconing Reservoir has a dam height of 20 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 Lonaconing Reservoir last inspected?

Lonaconing Reservoir was last inspected on December 29, 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.