Soil Conservation Service Lake (Soil Conservation Road) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Soil Conservation Service Lake, also known as Alter Pond or Becks Branch, is a Federal-owned water resource located in Berwyn Heights, Maryland.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam, constructed in 1939 by USDA designers, serves primarily for water supply purposes, including irrigation. With a dam height of 17 feet and a length of 250 feet, the reservoir has a storage capacity of 176 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 20.2 acres, drawing water from a drainage area of 2.5 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, the Soil Conservation Service Lake is regulated and inspected by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, ensuring its structural integrity and safe operation. The spillway, with a width of 49 feet, is uncontrolled, capable of discharging a maximum of 781 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for this water resource is moderate, indicating a proactive approach to managing any potential hazards. The last inspection in October 2018 confirmed its condition as not rated, underscoring the importance of regular evaluations for maintaining the lake's functionality and safety standards.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

Beck Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20.2

Drainage Area

2.5

Nid Storage

176

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.