Tower Hill Community Pond Dam (Tower Hill Road) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tower Hill Community Pond Dam, also known as Guyther Farm Pond, is a privately owned water supply structure located in St.


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Summary

Mary's County, Maryland. Built in 1975, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 28 acre-feet, providing water for both recreational activities and local water supply needs. Situated on Poplar Creek, the dam spans 312 feet in length and covers a surface area of 12 acres.

Maintained by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, the Tower Hill Community Pond Dam has a significant hazard potential and is classified as having a fair condition assessment. With a moderate risk level, the dam underwent structural modifications in 2003 to improve its safety and resilience to potential hazards. Regular inspections ensure the dam's integrity and compliance with state regulations, with the last assessment conducted in March 2020.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Tower Hill Community Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam serving multiple purposes in a rural setting. Its location on Poplar Creek and its role in water supply management offer valuable insights into the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for both safety and sustainability. As a key piece of infrastructure in the region, this dam exemplifies the intersection of human activity and natural resources in shaping local landscapes and water ecosystems.

Years Modified

2003 - Structural

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

312

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

Poplar Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

2.9

Nid Storage

28

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

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.