Shores Of Calvert Lower Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shores of Calvert Lower Dam, located in Calvert, Maryland, along the Patuxent River, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes such as fish and wildlife pond activities.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 15 feet and a length of 186 feet, was completed in 1972 and has a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet. It has a surface area of 8.6 acres and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles, making it an important feature for water resource management in the area.

The dam, designed by Robert D Murphy and repaired by Mike Rodevick in 1995, is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement requirements. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk level. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the structure has a maximum discharge capacity of 300 cubic feet per second, making it relatively safe for nearby communities. Overall, the Shores of Calvert Lower Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water resources and supporting recreational activities in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Shores of Calvert Lower Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam in Maryland that serves multiple purposes, including fish and wildlife conservation and recreational activities. With its earth dam type and stone core, the structure has been in operation since 1972 and has undergone necessary repairs to ensure its safety and functionality. Managed by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, the dam is regularly inspected and enforced to meet state regulations, providing a secure water management system for the surrounding area. As a low-hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment, the Shores of Calvert Lower Dam stands as a vital component in the local water infrastructure and environmental conservation efforts.

Years Modified

1995 - Structural

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

186

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Patuxent River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.6

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

126

Outlet Gates

Valve - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.