Cash Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cash Lake Dam, located in Bowie, Maryland, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

Built in 1939, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a structural height of 20 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 584 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.43 square miles.

The dam has undergone modifications in 1999 to improve its foundation, hydraulic, mechanical, and structural components. It is equipped with other controlled outlet gates including a slide (sluice gate) and has a spillway width of 111 feet. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2019 was deemed fair, with inspection frequency set at every 3 years.

Located along the Patuxent River, Cash Lake Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing habitat for fish and wildlife in the area. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance efforts, this dam serves as a vital resource for water management and conservation, catering to the diverse ecological needs of the region.

Years Modified

1999 - Foundation, 1999 - Hydraulic, 1999 - Mechanical, 1999 - Other, 1999 - Structural

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

771

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

PATUXENT-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

49

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

2.43

Nid Storage

584

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled, Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.