Piney Run Dam
Key Takeaway
Piney Run Dam is classified as high hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 73 ft (taller than 96.2% in MD) |
| Dam Length | 624 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 8.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 298 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 22,002 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1974 |
| NID ID | MD00139 |
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
Carroll Co Recreation and Parks
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Liberty Dam
Baltimore, MD
High Hazard 175 ftWoodmark Community Pond
Howard, MD
Significant Hazard 12 ftRiggs Farm Pond
Howard, MD
Low Hazard 24 ftSnell Estates
Carroll, MD
Low Hazard 14 ftDiversified Lane Pond Dam
Howard, MD
Significant Hazard 8 ftCamp Fretterd Miltary Reservation Dam
Baltimore, MD
Low Hazard 24 ftDaniels Dam
Baltimore, MD
Low Hazard 27 ftLutheran Village At Millers Grant Pond 1 (Vals Lane)
Howard, MD
Significant Hazard 18 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Piney Run Dam?
Piney Run 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 Piney Run Dam?
Piney Run Dam is owned by Carroll Co Recreation and Parks (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Piney Run Dam built?
Piney Run Dam was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Piney Run Dam?
Piney Run Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Piney Run Dam?
Piney Run Dam has a dam height of 73 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 Piney Run Dam last inspected?
Piney Run Dam was last inspected on November 1, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.