North Laurel Park Swm Pond (Sewall Avenue) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Laurel Park Swm Pond, also known as Samuel Morris Dam, is a privately owned water resource structure located in Howard County, Maryland.


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Summary

Built in 1998, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 270 feet, with a storage capacity of 33 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for irrigation, serving the nearby area with water from the Patuxent River-TR.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, the North Laurel Park Swm Pond poses a significant hazard potential, with a moderate risk level assigned. The dam is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, which conducts regular inspections to ensure its safety and adherence to state regulations. With a spillway width of 10 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 493 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and mitigating potential risks associated with floods and water scarcity. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the North Laurel Park Swm Pond serves as a vital infrastructure for irrigation and water management in Howard County, Maryland.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Patuxent River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.7

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

33

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.