Railroad Branch Swm Pond
Key Takeaway
Railroad Branch Swm Pond is classified as high hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1990 and is 36 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 | 25 ft (taller than 60.9% in MD) |
| Dam Length | 340 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 34 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,314 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1990 (36 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1990 |
| NID ID | MD00316 |
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
Montgomery County DEP
Local Government
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Low Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Railroad Branch Swm Pond?
Railroad Branch Swm Pond 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 Railroad Branch Swm Pond?
Railroad Branch Swm Pond is owned by Montgomery County DEP (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Railroad Branch Swm Pond built?
Railroad Branch Swm Pond was completed in 1990, making it 36 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 Railroad Branch Swm Pond?
Railroad Branch Swm Pond serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Railroad Branch Swm Pond?
Railroad Branch Swm Pond has a dam height of 25 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 Railroad Branch Swm Pond last inspected?
Railroad Branch Swm Pond was last inspected on August 3, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.