Gilbert Run Dam 1 (Trinity Church) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gilbert Run Dam 1, also known as Trinity Church Dam, is located in Charles County, Maryland, near the city of Newport.


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Summary

Built in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and stretches 1690 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 4840 acre-feet and a drainage area of 8.2 square miles. The dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Trinity Church Run, a tributary of the Potomac River.

Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Gilbert Run Dam 1 plays a critical role in managing water resources in the region. The dam is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, which conducts regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a spillway width of 130 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 6100 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped to handle excess water flow during periods of heavy rainfall.

While Gilbert Run Dam 1 may face some maintenance challenges, its importance in flood risk reduction and water resource management cannot be overstated. As a key component of the local government's infrastructure, this dam continues to play a vital role in protecting the surrounding communities from potential flooding events.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1690

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

Trinity Church Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

73

Drainage Area

8.2

Nid Storage

4840

Outlet Gates

Valve - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

41
       
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.