Piney Run Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Liberty Dam Snell Estates
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Piney Run Dam, located in Carroll County, Maryland, is a crucial structure owned and regulated by the local government for flood risk reduction along the Piney Run river.
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Summary
Designed by Rummel, Klepper+Kahl along with USDA NRCS and USDA SCS, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 73 feet and spans 624 feet in length, completed in 1974. With a storage capacity of 8842 acre-feet and a surface area of 298 acres, the dam plays a significant role in mitigating the risk of flooding in the area.
In addition to flood risk reduction, Piney Run Dam serves multiple purposes including recreation and water supply for the community. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 250 feet, and has a high hazard potential with an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of April 2022. Despite its risk level, the dam is regularly inspected by the Maryland Dam Safety agency and has emergency action plans in place to address any potential issues. Overall, Piney Run Dam remains a vital infrastructure for both flood control and water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of its maintenance and upkeep for climate resilience.
With its strategic location and design features, Piney Run Dam stands as a key asset in the water resource management system of Maryland. As climate change continues to pose challenges in terms of extreme weather events, the dam's role in flood risk reduction is paramount for protecting the surrounding communities. Efforts to address the dam's high hazard potential and unsatisfactory condition assessment are essential to ensure its continued effectiveness in safeguarding the area from potential flooding incidents. As a focal point for both recreational activities and water supply, Piney Run Dam underscores the interconnectedness of water resource management, climate adaptation, and community resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
624 |
Dam Height |
73 |
River Or Stream |
Piney Run |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
298 |
Drainage Area |
10.4 |
Nid Storage |
8842 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
73 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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