Oliver Company (Lower Pond) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oliver Company's Lower Pond is a privately owned recreational dam located in Dry Run, Maryland.


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Summary

Constructed in 1957, this Earth-type dam stands at 14 feet tall and spans 1060 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 12 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Offstream-Dry Run, serves the primary purpose of recreation and boasts a surface area of 1.2 acres.

Despite its historical significance, the dam's condition assessment has been deemed poor, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in December 2017 raised concerns about its maintenance and safety. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, there is a pressing need for risk management measures to be implemented to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and ecosystem.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor and address the maintenance and safety of dams like Oliver Company's Lower Pond. By staying informed about its condition, inspection frequency, and risk assessment, we can advocate for necessary improvements and mitigation strategies to protect both the dam's integrity and the environment it impacts.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

1060

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

Offstream-Dry Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.2

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

0.01

Nid Storage

12

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.