Beechtree Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beechtree Dam, located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is a privately owned structure designed by Greenman-Pedersen and completed in 2002.


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Summary

This earth dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with additional benefits for recreation. The dam stands at a height of 43 feet, with a hydraulic height of 37 feet and a structural height of 50 feet, spanning a length of 700 feet. It has a storage capacity of 800 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 29.1 acres, drawing water from the East Branch and Collington Branch rivers.

Despite its fair condition assessment and low hazard potential, Beechtree Dam is subject to state regulation and inspection by the Maryland Dam Safety agency. Its spillway, a crucial component for controlling water flow, is uncontrolled with a width of 12 feet. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 2500 cubic feet per second and is equipped with slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. While the risk assessment categorizes Beechtree Dam as moderate, measures for risk management and emergency action planning are not explicitly outlined in the data.

In the event of any modifications or updates to Beechtree Dam, the last inspection was conducted in November 2018 with a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years. With Congressman Anthony G. Brown (D) representing the area, stakeholders and water resource enthusiasts closely monitor the dam's condition and regulatory compliance. As a vital infrastructure for irrigation and recreation, Beechtree Dam plays a significant role in water resource management within Prince George's County, Maryland.

Year Completed

2002

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

East Branch, Collington Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

29.1

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

800

Structural Height

50

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

50
       
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.