Lake Ridge Community Pond Dam (Alta Drive) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nestled in the charming town of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, the Lake Ridge Community Pond Dam, also known as Gordon Farm Pond or Hickory Hills Pond, is a private earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Completed in 1969, this dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, but also supports fish and wildlife habitat and recreational activities. With a height of 28 feet and a hydraulic height of 20 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 154 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7 acres.

Situated along Fishing Creek, the Lake Ridge Community Pond Dam is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of April 2021 was deemed fair. In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and needle outlet gates. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate (3), indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and management measures.

Adorned with picturesque views and providing essential water resources for the surrounding area, the Lake Ridge Community Pond Dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and managing our water infrastructure in harmony with the environment. With Steny H. Hoyer representing the area in Congress, this dam serves as a vital piece of the local ecosystem, supporting both agricultural and recreational activities while ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

Years Modified

2001 - Structural

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

285

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

Fishing Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

154

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.