Shellman Farm Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shellman Farm Dam, located in Kent County, Maryland, is a privately owned Earth dam that was completed in 1979.


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Summary

This dam plays a crucial role in water resource management, with a storage capacity of 63.8 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 8.8 acre-feet. The dam spans 350 feet in length and has a height of 10 feet, serving the purpose of flood control on the Chester River-TR.

Despite being classified as having low hazard potential, Shellman Farm Dam is regularly inspected by the Maryland Dam Safety regulatory agency to ensure its structural integrity. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway that is 50 feet wide, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 2448 cubic feet per second. The condition assessment of the dam was rated as fair in 2017, with a moderate risk level assigned based on the latest data.

Overall, Shellman Farm Dam is a vital piece of infrastructure for water management in the area, with its design credited to NRCS and Ann Baldwin. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper maintenance and monitoring of dams like Shellman Farm are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water supply.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Chester River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.5

Drainage Area

2.52

Nid Storage

63.8

Outlet Gates

Flap - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.