Holton Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Holton Pond Dam, also known as Dam For Pond #3, is a federally owned structure located in St.


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Summary

Mary's County, Maryland on NAS Paxutent River. Built in 1958 by the US Navy, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans 197 feet in length, serving primarily for recreational purposes. The dam has a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet and a surface area of 24.3 acres, with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in April 2018.

Managed and regulated by the US Navy, Holton Pond Dam is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Dam Safety program, ensuring state oversight in permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 8 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 200 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not experienced significant modifications in recent years, indicating a stable operational status with adequate risk management measures in place.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Holton Pond Dam serves as a notable example of a federally owned structure designed to enhance recreational opportunities while managing water resources effectively. With its historical significance and ongoing state oversight, the dam stands as a testament to the collaboration between federal agencies and state regulatory bodies in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure in Maryland.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

197

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

PINE HILL RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24.3

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

115

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

13
       
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.