Big Meadows Farm Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Meadows Farm Dam, also known as Wheatley Farm Pond, is a privately owned earth dam located in Hainesville, Maryland.


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Summary

Built in 1979 for recreational purposes, the dam stands at 13 feet tall and spans 1000 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Mill Creek-TR and is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, with regular inspections ensuring its structural integrity.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated it as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and repairs. The spillway, with a width of 17 feet, is uncontrolled, and the dam has a drainage area of 1.19 square miles. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 on the scale, prompting the need for risk management measures to be implemented to mitigate any potential hazards.

Overall, Big Meadows Farm Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in Kent County, Maryland, but its poor condition and moderate risk level emphasize the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the long-term sustainability of the dam.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Mill Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.7

Drainage Area

1.19

Nid Storage

75

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

13
       
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.