The Industrial Dam (Blue Bridge) in Allegany, Maryland, is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed by the US Army Corps of Engineers Washington District.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1954, this gravity dam stands at a height of 40 feet and extends for 315 feet along the Potomac River (North Branch). Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 1,467 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 248 acre-feet.
This dam, also known as the Cumberland Dam or Kelly Springfield Dam, is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the Industrial Dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Its uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 300 feet, helps manage maximum discharges of up to 83,500 cubic feet per second.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the Industrial Dam's contribution to flood risk reduction and water supply management in the region. As a gravity dam with a buttress core type, it symbolizes the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events. Its strategic location and design make it a key asset in the efforts to mitigate flood risks along the Potomac River, demonstrating the intersection of engineering expertise and environmental stewardship in water resource management.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
315 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
Potomac River (North Branch) |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
46 |
Drainage Area |
628 |
Nid Storage |
1467 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
40 |