Old Loch Raven Dam

Gunpowder River· Baltimore, Maryland· Built 1875· Earth· 20 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Old Loch Raven Dam is classified as low hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1875 and is 151 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 41.2% in MD)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage300 acre-ft
Normal Storage150 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area303 sq mi
Max Discharge14,000 cfs
Year Completed1875 (151 years old)
NID IDMD00314

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 3, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MD Dam Safety

Ownership

Baltimore City DPW Reservoir Section

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Old Loch Raven Dam?

Old Loch Raven Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Old Loch Raven Dam?

Old Loch Raven Dam is owned by Baltimore City DPW Reservoir Section (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Old Loch Raven Dam built?

Old Loch Raven Dam was completed in 1875, making it 151 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 Old Loch Raven Dam?

Old Loch Raven Dam 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 Old Loch Raven Dam?

Old Loch Raven Dam 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 Old Loch Raven Dam last inspected?

Old Loch Raven Dam was last inspected on November 3, 2016. 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.