Tower Oaks Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tower Oaks is a local government-owned Earth dam located in Montgomery County, Maryland, specifically designed for flood risk reduction along the Cabin John Creek-TR.


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Summary

Built in 1999 by Loiderman & Assoc, this dam stands at 25 feet in height and stretches 200 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 2.5 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, with a width of 40 feet, is of the uncontrolled type, allowing for a maximum discharge of 1300 cubic feet per second.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Tower Oaks is subject to regular state permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the Maryland Dam Safety agency to ensure its continued safety and efficacy. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating a level of risk management measures in place. With its strategic location and purposeful design, Tower Oaks serves as a vital infrastructure for mitigating flood risks in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

Cabin John Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.5

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.