Lake Roland Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Roland Dam, also known as Lake Swann, is a vital water resource in Baltimore, Maryland, serving both recreational and irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1861 by Whitman, Requardt & Assoc., this earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet and has a length of 322 feet. The dam holds a normal storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 1867 acre-feet.

Located on Jones Falls, the dam is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Dam Safety agency and is regularly inspected and enforced for safety measures. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair, with the last inspection conducted in July 2021. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 227 feet, and the outlet gates consist of a slide (sluice gate).

Overall, Lake Roland Dam plays a crucial role in water management and recreation in the Baltimore area. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam continues to be a key feature in the region's water resource infrastructure, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding communities.

Years Modified

1994 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1861

Dam Length

322

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

Jones Falls

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

100

Drainage Area

36.8

Nid Storage

1867

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

42
       
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.