Platter Farm Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Platter Farm Pond, located in Garrett County, Maryland, is a picturesque earth dam structure built in 1968 for recreational purposes, specifically for fish and wildlife pond activities.


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Summary

The pond covers a surface area of 2.6 acres with a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.25 square miles. The dam stands at a height of 22 feet, with a spillway type classified as uncontrolled and a maximum discharge capacity of 133 cubic feet per second.

Managed by a private owner, the Platter Farm Pond is regulated and inspected by the Maryland Dam Safety agency to ensure compliance with state standards and safety measures. The condition assessment of the dam is rated as fair, with a low hazard potential and moderate risk level. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the pond provides a valuable recreational resource for the local community, offering opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation along Church Run.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the unique design of Platter Farm Pond, with its stone core and earth dam construction. The collaboration between the USDA Soil Conservation Service and designer John Cotton highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices in creating and maintaining recreational water features. As efforts continue to manage and monitor the dam's safety and functionality, Platter Farm Pond remains a vital asset for wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation in the Garrett County region of Maryland.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

336

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

Church Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.6

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

27

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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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.