Elgin Farm Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elgin Farm Pond, located in Kent, Maryland, is a private earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1965, this dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a length of 230 feet, providing a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet. The pond covers a surface area of 20 acres and has a drainage area of 0.8 square miles, with a spillway width of 72 feet for uncontrolled discharge.

Managed by the Maryland Dam Safety regulatory agency, Elgin Farm Pond is deemed to have low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. While the condition of the dam is not currently rated, it undergoes inspections every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in April 2021. Despite its recreational importance, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk management measures, and overall risk characterization remain unspecified.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Elgin Farm Pond an intriguing case study due to its unique design features, including its buttress core type and uncontrolled spillway system. With the potential for future modifications or enhancements to its regulatory framework, this dam exemplifies the intersection of human-made structures and environmental considerations in the management of water resources within the Chester Estates community.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

Morgan Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

85

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.