Cove Point Lng Main Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cove Point Lng Main Dam, also known as Columbia Lng Main Dam, is a privately owned dam located in Cove Point, Maryland.


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Summary

The dam was completed in 1974 and serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 830 acre-feet and a surface area of 23.3 acres. The dam stands at a height of 74 feet and has a structural height of 78 feet, with a hydraulic height of 72 feet.

The dam is situated on Wilbur Creek and is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and functionality. The hazard potential of the dam is considered significant, with a fair condition assessment as of April 2021. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 4 feet, and a maximum discharge capacity of 172 cubic feet per second.

Overall, Cove Point Lng Main Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, providing recreational opportunities while also mitigating flood risks and ensuring water supply reliability. Its design and construction were carried out by URS and Woodward Moorhouse & Assoc, and the dam has undergone structural modifications in 1999 to enhance its resilience. With moderate risk assessment and ongoing risk management measures, Cove Point Lng Main Dam remains a vital component of the region's water infrastructure.

Years Modified

1999 - Structural

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

74

River Or Stream

Wilbur Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23.3

Hydraulic Height

72

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

830

Structural Height

78

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

78
       
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.