Umbc Dam

Herbert Run· Baltimore, Maryland· Built 1976· Earth· 38 ft tall

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction State Government

Key Takeaway

Umbc Dam is classified as high hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 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	38 ft (taller than 83.7% in MD)
Dam Length	255 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	185 acre-ft
Normal Storage	0 acre-ft

Surface Area	0 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Max Discharge	11,700 cfs
Year Completed	1976 (50 years old)
NID ID	MD00034

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: April 13, 2023

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: MD Dam Safety

Ownership

MD UMBC

State Government

Nearby Dams

Umbc Central Campus Dam

Baltimore, MD

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Amtrak Railroad Culvert 100.18

Baltimore City, MD

Significant Hazard 24 ft

Banneker Regional Pond

Baltimore, MD

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Catonsville Community Park Regional Swm Pond Dam (Ba-359)

Baltimore, MD

High Hazard 21 ft

Lake Ashburton Reservoir and Storage Tanks

Baltimore City, MD

High Hazard 40 ft

Pecks Branch Dam (Ashburton)

Baltimore City, MD

High Hazard 59 ft

Strawberry Fields

Howard, MD

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Bwi Pond B12

Anne Arundel, MD

Significant Hazard 21 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Umbc Dam?

Umbc 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 Umbc Dam?

Umbc Dam is owned by MD UMBC (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Umbc Dam built?

Umbc Dam was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Umbc Dam?

Umbc Dam 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 Umbc Dam?

Umbc Dam has a dam height of 38 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 Umbc Dam last inspected?

Umbc Dam was last inspected on April 13, 2023. 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.