Umstc Lower Dam (Curie Drive) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Umstc Lower Dam (Curie Drive) is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Prince George's County, Maryland, along the Patuxent River.


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Summary

Originally completed in 2001, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and spans a length of 625 feet, providing storage capacity of up to 129 acre-feet of water. The dam, designed by Century Engineering, serves as a crucial safeguard for the surrounding area, with a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of April 2021.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, Umstc Lower Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the WSSC Pump Sta city area from potential flooding events. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 60 feet, can handle a maximum discharge of 1700 cubic feet per second. Regular inspections, conducted every 3 years, ensure the dam's structural integrity and operational readiness. With a moderate risk assessment rating and a designated emergency action plan, Umstc Lower Dam is a key component of the region's water resource and climate resilience infrastructure.

Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate adaptation will appreciate the strategic importance of Umstc Lower Dam in mitigating flood risks and safeguarding communities along the Patuxent River. As a critical piece of infrastructure designed to protect against potential inundation, this earth dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government, regulatory agencies, and engineering firms in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Prince George's County, Maryland. With its significant storage capacity, controlled spillway, and regular maintenance schedule, Umstc Lower Dam exemplifies the proactive approach to addressing water-related challenges in a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

2001

Dam Length

625

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

Patuxent River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.5

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

129

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.