Wheaton Regional Park Dam

Northwest Branch-TR· Montgomery, Maryland· Built 1962· Earth· 24 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Wheaton Regional Park Dam is classified as significant hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 57.8% in MD)
Dam Length733 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage79 acre-ft
Normal Storage35 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,934 cfs
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDMD00041

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 11, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MD Dam Safety

Ownership

MNCPPC Montgomery Parks

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wheaton Regional Park Dam?

Wheaton Regional Park Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Wheaton Regional Park Dam?

Wheaton Regional Park Dam is owned by MNCPPC Montgomery Parks (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wheaton Regional Park Dam built?

Wheaton Regional Park Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Wheaton Regional Park Dam?

Wheaton Regional Park Dam 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 Wheaton Regional Park Dam?

Wheaton Regional Park Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Wheaton Regional Park Dam last inspected?

Wheaton Regional Park Dam was last inspected on March 11, 2020. 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.