Columbia Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Columbia Creek Dam, also known as Bruce Nichols Pond No.


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Summary

7, is a gravity dam located in Wicomico, Maryland. Built in 1987 by the USDA NRCS, this private dam serves as a vital water supply source for the area. With a height of 13.5 feet and a length of 425 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 400 cubic feet per second.

The dam is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, ensuring that it meets all safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition has not been officially rated. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled, with a width of 26 feet, and it serves as an essential feature for managing water levels during high flow events.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and design of Columbia Creek Dam, which plays a crucial role in providing water supply for the surrounding area. As a privately owned structure, it highlights the importance of proper dam management and regulatory oversight to ensure the safety and integrity of such critical infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

425

Dam Height

13.5

River Or Stream

Rewastico Creek-TR-Columbia Cr

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

8.1

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

68

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.