Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton)

Gwynns Run-Offstream· Baltimore City, Maryland· Built 1956· Earth· 59 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton) is classified as high hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 59 ft (taller than 93.8% in MD)
Dam Length1,500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage141 acre-ft
Normal Storage89 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1956 (70 years old)
Year Modified1956
NID IDMD00023

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 3, 2021
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 Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton)?

Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton) 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 Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton)?

Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton) 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 Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton) built?

Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton) was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton)?

Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton) 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 Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton)?

Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton) has a dam height of 59 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 Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton) last inspected?

Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton) was last inspected on December 3, 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.