Deep Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Deep Creek Dam, located in Friendsville, Maryland, is a private dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1925 by Charles B. Hawley & Co., this earth dam stands at a height of 85 feet and spans a length of 1300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 145,000 acre-feet on Deep Creek. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 712 feet, and it has a hazard potential rating of high.

Despite being privately owned, Deep Creek Dam is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place. The dam's condition is assessed as fair, with a moderate risk level of 3. It has a maximum discharge capacity of 111,458 cubic feet per second, serving as a recreational hub for the area with a surface area of 4500 acres and a normal storage capacity of 93,000 acre-feet. The dam also caters to hydroelectric purposes, showcasing its multi-functional design and importance in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Years Modified

1993 - Other

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

85

River Or Stream

Deep Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4500

Drainage Area

63

Nid Storage

145000

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

85
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.