Lake Of The Pines (Tarnans Branch Crossing) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake of The Pines, located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is a picturesque reservoir situated on Tarnans Branch, boasting a surface area of 6.4 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 106 acre-feet.


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Summary

The dam, primarily designed for recreational purposes, stands at a height of 22 feet and stretches 313 feet in length, completed in 1981 by Mc Crone, Inc. The dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core, exhibiting a significant hazard potential with fair condition assessment as of April 2021.

Despite its modest size, Lake of The Pines serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding community of Bon Haven, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. The dam's spillway, of uncontrolled type with a width of 6 feet, ensures the safe release of excess water, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1040 cubic feet per second. The dam underwent structural modifications in 1994 to enhance its safety and operational efficiency, with regular inspections conducted every three years to monitor its condition.

With its serene setting and essential role in water management, Lake of The Pines represents a harmonious blend of human intervention and natural beauty. Governed by the Maryland Dam Safety regulatory agency, the dam ensures the sustainable utilization of water resources while prioritizing public safety. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the maintenance and vigilant monitoring of dams like Lake of The Pines are crucial in adapting to evolving environmental challenges and ensuring resilience in the face of uncertain climate conditions.

Years Modified

1994 - Structural

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

313

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

Tarnans Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.4

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

106

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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.