Wye Mills Dam
Key Takeaway
Wye Mills Dam is classified as significant hazard in Maryland. It was completed in 1682 and is 344 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 20 ft (taller than 41.2% in MD) |
| Dam Length | 832 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 302 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 62 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,930 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1682 (344 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1958 |
| NID ID | MD00029 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
MD DNR-Public Lands, Engineering & Constr-Eastern
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wye Mills Dam?
Wye Mills 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 Wye Mills Dam?
Wye Mills Dam 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 Wye Mills Dam built?
Wye Mills Dam was completed in 1682, making it 344 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 Wye Mills Dam?
Wye Mills Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Wye Mills Dam?
Wye Mills Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Wye Mills Dam last inspected?
Wye Mills Dam was last inspected on December 21, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.