Little Deer Creek Site 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Little Deer Creek Site 3, also known as Troyer Road Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in Harford, Maryland, within Rocks State Park.


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Summary

Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 45 feet and has a length of 726 feet. Designed primarily for flood risk reduction, the dam has a storage capacity of 582 acre-feet and serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

With a drainage area of 1.6 square miles and a maximum discharge of 3200 cubic feet per second, Little Deer Creek Site 3 plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the region. The dam's spillway, with a width of 100 feet, is uncontrolled and designed to handle excess water during heavy rainfall. Despite being assessed as in fair condition during the latest inspection in February 2021, the dam's hazard potential is classified as significant, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety of downstream communities.

Overall, Little Deer Creek Site 3 serves as a vital infrastructure for flood protection in the area, with its moderate risk level indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, structures like this dam play a critical role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the potential dangers of extreme weather events. By staying vigilant and proactive in maintaining and monitoring this dam, local authorities can ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

726

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

Little Deer Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.8

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

582

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

45
       
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.