Mason-Dixon Farms Irrigation Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mason-Dixon Farms Irrigation Pond, located in Frederick, Maryland, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1984 for flood risk reduction purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 14.5 feet and a length of 1700 feet, the pond has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.5 acres. The dam is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

The pond is situated along Bullfrog Rd, near the Cattail Branch-OS river/stream, in the Baltimore District. Despite being classified with a low hazard potential, the risk assessment for Mason-Dixon Farms Irrigation Pond indicates a moderate level of risk (3). The condition of the dam is currently not rated, with the last inspection taking place in December 2018. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the pond was last revised in April 2016, and it is important to ensure that it meets established guidelines for effective risk management.

Overall, Mason-Dixon Farms Irrigation Pond serves a crucial role in flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. It is essential that the dam remains well-maintained and in compliance with regulatory standards to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the continued protection of the community and environment. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this structure to be an intriguing example of infrastructure designed to manage and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

14.5

River Or Stream

Cattail Branch-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.5

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

100

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.