Falls Road Golf Course Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Falls Road Golf Course in Montgomery, Maryland, is home to a gravity dam on Kilgour Branch that was completed in 1990.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet. The dam's structure consists of stone core and soil foundations, with a length of 260 feet and a surface area of 4.7 acres.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, the Falls Road Golf Course dam has a fair condition assessment and a high hazard potential. Despite undergoing a hydraulic upgrade in 2007, the dam's risk assessment remains moderate (3). With a maximum discharge capacity of 710 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 26 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water supply for irrigation and recreation activities at the golf course.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the infrastructure and maintenance of dams like the one at Falls Road Golf Course is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region. With regular inspections and enforcement measures in place, this dam continues to support the community while managing potential risks associated with its operation.

Years Modified

2007 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

Kilgour Branch

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

4.7

Drainage Area

0.22

Nid Storage

78

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.