Ashton Community Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ashton Community Pond Dam, also known as A.


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Summary

H. Young Farm Pond, is a private dam located in Ashton-Sandy Spring, Maryland. Built in 1959 by the USDA Soil Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans 200 feet in length. The dam is designed with a stone core and sits on rock and soil foundations, serving a surface area of 1.6 acres with a drainage area of 0.14 square miles.

The dam is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in April 2019. Classified as having a "Significant" hazard potential, the dam's condition was deemed "Satisfactory" as of June 2018. In 2010, the dam underwent hydraulic and structural modifications to ensure its continued safety and functionality. With a spillway width of 17 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam is designed to manage water flow from the Patuxent River-TR.

Despite its moderate risk assessment, Ashton Community Pond Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Montgomery County, Maryland. Its construction and management highlight the importance of maintaining and regulating dams to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a case study in sustainable dam engineering and maintenance practices to address the challenges posed by changing environmental conditions.

Years Modified

2010 - Hydraulic, 2010 - Structural

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

Patuxent River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.6

Drainage Area

0.14

Outlet Gates

Valve - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.