Brighton, also known as Tridelphia Lake Dam, is a significant water resource structure located in Montgomery County, Maryland, near Laurel.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1943, this buttress dam serves the dual purposes of hydroelectric power generation and water supply, with a maximum storage capacity of 19,560 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 17,200 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 82 feet and stretches 995 feet in length, with a spillway width of 340 feet to control water discharge.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, Brighton is situated along the Patuxent River and falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. With a high hazard potential and very high risk assessment rating, the dam is subject to regular inspections and emergency action plan requirements to ensure public safety. The dam's outlet gates consist of Tainter (radial) structures, totaling 13 in number, to manage water flow and maintain operational efficiency.
Despite its age, Brighton continues to play a crucial role in water management and renewable energy production in the region. With a strong emphasis on safety and compliance with regulatory standards, the dam remains a vital component of Maryland's water infrastructure, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in a changing environment.
Year Completed |
1943 |
Dam Length |
995 |
Dam Height |
82 |
River Or Stream |
Patuxent River |
Primary Dam Type |
Buttress |
Surface Area |
800 |
Drainage Area |
77 |
Nid Storage |
19560 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 13 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
82 |