Little Youghiogheny Site 6 (Broadford) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Youghiogheny Site 6, also known as Broadford, is a local government-owned dam located in Mountain Lake Park, Maryland.


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Summary

The dam was completed in 1971 and is primarily used for flood risk reduction along the Broad Ford Run river. Standing at a height of 46 feet with a structural height of 60 feet, the earth dam is supported by a stone core and rock foundation, providing crucial water storage and control capabilities for the area.

With a maximum storage capacity of 5,000 acre-feet and a normal storage of 1,410 acre-feet, Little Youghiogheny Site 6 covers a surface area of 138 acres and drains a 6.8-square-mile watershed. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 17,000 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2021 rated it as fair, with a moderate risk level.

In terms of safety measures, the dam has an emergency action plan (EAP) in place, although details on its preparation and compliance with guidelines are not provided. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment in May 2021, and the dam is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency. With its vital role in flood risk reduction and water management in the region, Little Youghiogheny Site 6 serves as a key infrastructure asset contributing to the resilience of the local community to water-related challenges.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

1160

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

Broad Ford Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

138

Hydraulic Height

42

Drainage Area

6.8

Nid Storage

5000

Structural Height

60

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

60
       
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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.