Wheaton Branch Storm Water Management Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Wheaton Branch Storm Water Management project in Silver Spring, Maryland, is a critical infrastructure designed for flood risk reduction along the Sligo Creek-TR river.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Constructed in 1979 by Matz, Childs & Assoc. Inc, this earth dam stands at 27 feet tall and spans 1174 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 196 acre-feet. Despite its importance in mitigating flooding in the area, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a high hazard potential.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 520 feet, and the outlet gates consist of a slide (sluice gate) system with no locks. While the structure has undergone modifications in 1990 for hydraulic reasons, its overall risk assessment is deemed moderate. With the last inspection conducted in December 2021 and regular inspections scheduled every year, there is a need for continued monitoring and potential maintenance to ensure the Wheaton Branch Storm Water Management remains effective in its flood risk reduction purpose for the surrounding Montgomery County community.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of the Wheaton Branch Storm Water Management project provides insight into the challenges and importance of managing stormwater in urban areas. As climate change intensifies, the resilience of such infrastructure will be crucial in protecting communities from the increasing threats of flooding. Efforts to address the poor condition assessment and high hazard potential of the dam will be vital in safeguarding the local environment and population from potential disasters.

Years Modified

1990 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

1174

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

Sligo Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.1

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

196

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.