Lake Nirvana Dam (Main Street) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Nirvana Dam (Main Street) in Tobytown, Maryland, is a local government-owned earth dam designed by Mills, Petticord & Mills and completed in 1967 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This picturesque dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a length of 825 feet, creating a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet. With a surface area of 10.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles, the dam serves as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy water-based activities in the Muddy Branch-TR river system.

The dam's spillway, with a width of 10 feet, is uncontrolled, and the structure is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, with the last inspection conducted in June 2018. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is subject to regular inspections every three years to ensure its continued safety and functionality. Lake Nirvana Dam (Main Street) offers a serene setting for recreation while also serving as a vital water resource in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Nirvana Dam (Main Street) presents an intriguing example of human-made infrastructure harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape. As a key component of the local water management system, this dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also contributes to flood control and water storage in the area. With its stone core and rock foundation, the dam exemplifies engineering ingenuity in balancing human needs with environmental considerations. As climate change impacts water resources, understanding the design, maintenance, and regulation of dams like Lake Nirvana Dam becomes increasingly crucial for ensuring sustainable water management practices in the face of evolving climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

825

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

Muddy Branch-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.5

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

104

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.