Elk Neck State Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elk Neck State Park Dam, also known as Elk Neck Dredge Disposal Dam, is a water supply dam located in Cecil County, Maryland.


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Summary

Built in 1960 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this dam serves as a vital resource for water management in the region. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 400 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet, providing essential water supply for the surrounding area.

Despite its importance, the dam has been assessed as unsatisfactory in condition, indicating a need for maintenance and potential improvements. The dam's hazard potential is classified as low, but a moderate risk assessment underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and management. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 8 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 180 cubic feet per second, ensuring effective water flow management during periods of high water levels.

Elk Neck State Park Dam is a significant infrastructure for water resource management in Maryland, playing a crucial role in supplying water to the region. With its unique design and strategic location on the Elk River, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions. Efforts to address the dam's unsatisfactory condition and mitigate potential risks will be essential for ensuring the continued safety and functionality of this vital water resource.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

Elk River-TR-OS

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

20

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

500

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

25
       
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.