Lake Kittamaqundi dam
Lake Kittamaqundi
Lake Kittamaqundi is a picturesque man-made lake located in Columbia, Maryland, with a primary purpose of recreation. Built in 1967, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 7 feet and has a length of 2070 feet. The lake has a normal storage capacity of 146 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 107 acres, providing a serene setting for outdoor activities.
Managed by the Maryland Dam Safety regulatory agency, Lake Kittamaqundi has a low hazard potential and is considered to be in satisfactory condition as of the latest assessment in April 2021. The spillway, with a width of 270 feet, allows for controlled water discharge, while the surrounding Little Patuxent River adds to the natural beauty of the area. With a drainage area of 27.5 square miles, the lake serves as a vital water resource for the community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Kittamaqundi offers a glimpse into the importance of sustainable water management and recreational opportunities in urban areas. Its peaceful waters and surrounding greenery provide a sanctuary for wildlife and visitors alike, showcasing the harmonious relationship between human development and environmental preservation. As a key feature of the Howard County landscape, this beloved lake continues to be a symbol of responsible stewardship and community engagement in water conservation efforts.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lake Kittamaqundi -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Little Patuxent River At Guilford | 122 cfs | → |
| Little Patuxent River At Savage | 266 cfs | → |
| Patuxent Riv Near Laurel | 19 cfs | → |
| Patapsco River At Hollofield | 115 cfs | → |
| Patuxent River Below Brighton Dam Near Brighton | 14 cfs | → |
| East Branch Herbert Run At Arbutus | 9 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Kittamaqundi.
Boat launches
- Lightspun Lane 5665, Long Reach
- Supplee Launch
- 99 Drop Howard County
- Liberty Road Carroll County
- Joseph Avenue Baltimore
- Lakeview Avenue Carroll County
Campgrounds
Track Lake Kittamaqundi in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Kittamaqundi
Where does the data for Lake Kittamaqundi come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Kittamaqundi.