Industrial Dam (Blue Bridge) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Industrial Dam (Blue Bridge) in Allegany, Maryland, is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed by the US Army Corps of Engineers Washington District.


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Summary

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
       
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.