Railroad Branch Swm Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Railroad Branch Stormwater Management (SWM) Pond, also known as Gunners Lake Village Section 12, is a vital infrastructure located in Germantown, Montgomery, Maryland.


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Summary

Completed in 1990, this earth dam stands at 25 feet tall and stretches 340 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a crucial resource in managing stormwater and protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, Railroad Branch SWM Pond is considered to have a high hazard potential due to its unsatisfactory condition assessment. The pond has a drainage area of 0.2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 6314 cubic feet per second. Despite its critical role in flood risk management, the dam's current condition raises concerns about its ability to withstand potential emergencies and calls for proactive risk management measures.

With an inspection frequency of one year and a moderate risk assessment rating, Railroad Branch SWM Pond requires ongoing attention and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in flood risk reduction. The presence of an uncontrolled spillway and a spillway width of 50 feet further emphasize the importance of regular monitoring and upkeep to prevent any potential failures. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to stay informed and engaged in the preservation and maintenance of essential infrastructure like Railroad Branch SWM Pond to protect our communities and environment from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

Gunners Branch-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

34

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

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.