Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road)
Key Takeaway
Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road) is classified as low hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 14 ft (taller than 16.8% in MD) |
| Dam Length | 597 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 336 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 140 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 40 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,282 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1980 |
| NID ID | MD00048 |
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 DNR-Public Lands, Engineering & Constr-Eastern
State Government
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High Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road)?
Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road) 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 Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road)?
Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road) is owned by MD DNR-Public Lands, Engineering & Constr-Eastern (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road) built?
Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road) was completed in 1980, making it 46 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 Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road)?
Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road) 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 Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road)?
Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road) has a dam height of 14 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 Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road) last inspected?
Smithville Dam (Possum Hill Road) was last inspected on March 7, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.