Chambers Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chambers Lake, also known as Federalsburg Dam, is a gravity dam located in Caroline, Maryland, with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

Completed in 1937, this dam stands at a height of 11 feet and has a length of 390 feet, providing a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 9.4 acres and drains an area of 5.3 square miles, with a maximum discharge of 466 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Chambers Lake is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, with regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. However, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in 2019, indicating that risk management measures may need to be updated to address the moderate risk level associated with the dam.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Chambers Lake will find a historical gravity dam that plays a crucial role in water supply for the region. The dam's location on Tanyard Branch, its controlled spillway system, and the presence of slide gates for water release all contribute to its significance in managing water resources in the area. With ongoing assessments of its condition and risk level, Chambers Lake serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, environment, and water management in Maryland.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

390

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Tanyard Branch

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

9.4

Drainage Area

5.3

Nid Storage

78

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.