Greenspring Quarry Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Greenspring Quarry Dam, located in Pikesville, Maryland, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2007 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 16 feet and with a storage capacity of 576 acre-feet, this dam on Moores Branch provides a surface area of 38 acres for outdoor activities. Despite a fair condition assessment in 2021, the dam is categorized as having a significant hazard potential.

Managed by the Maryland Dam Safety regulatory agency, Greenspring Quarry Dam has undergone structural modifications in 2010 to ensure its stability. The dam is subject to regular inspections every three years, with the last assessment conducted in May 2017. Although the dam meets state jurisdiction and permitting requirements, there are no spillways or outlet gates specified for water discharge.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Greenspring Quarry Dam offers a fascinating case study of a privately owned recreational structure in Maryland. With its unique design by Daft McCune Walker and its proximity to Baltimore, this dam serves as both a recreational facility and a critical piece of infrastructure for managing water resources in the region. The dam's history, construction details, and ongoing maintenance provide valuable insights into the intersection of human activity and natural systems in a dynamic environmental context.

Years Modified

2010 - Structural

Year Completed

2007

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Moores Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Drainage Area

0.82

Nid Storage

576

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
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.