Westlake Village Lake 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Westlake Village Lake 3, located in Charles, Maryland, is a privately-owned dam constructed in 1984 by Whitman, Requardt & Assoc.


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Summary

The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, specifically along the Piney Branch river. With a structural height of 11 feet and a length of 476 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 121 acre-feet and a surface area of 9.3 acres.

Despite its low hazard potential, Westlake Village Lake 3 has been assessed as being in poor condition as of April 2021. The dam's inspection frequency is every 5 years, with the last inspection conducted in September 2020. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, no specific risk management measures or emergency action plans are currently in place.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Westlake Village Lake 3 serves as an intriguing case study of a privately-owned dam with flood risk reduction as its primary purpose. The dam's location, design, and condition present opportunities for further research on dam safety, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness in the face of climate change and changing hydrological patterns.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

476

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Piney Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.3

Drainage Area

2.1

Nid Storage

121

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

11
       
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.