Powellville Dam
Key Takeaway
Powellville Dam is classified as low hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 9 ft (taller than 2.9% in MD) |
| Dam Length | 550 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 186 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 77 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 17 acres |
| Drainage Area | 32 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,580 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | MD00015 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
MD DOT-State Highway Admin District 1
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Powellville Dam?
Powellville 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 Powellville Dam?
Powellville Dam is owned by MD DOT-State Highway Admin District 1 (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Powellville Dam built?
Powellville Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Powellville Dam?
Powellville Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Powellville Dam?
Powellville Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Powellville Dam last inspected?
Powellville Dam was last inspected on December 12, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.