Chesapeake Bay Golf Club North East Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Located in Cecil, Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay Golf Club North East Dam, also known as Merchant Social Dam, stands as a crucial structure for irrigation and recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1990, this earth dam spans 500 feet in length and reaches a height of 25 feet, holding a storage capacity of 33.1 acre-feet. Situated on the Northeast River-TR, this dam serves as a vital resource for maintaining water levels and supporting the surrounding landscape.

Despite its significant hazard potential and unsatisfactory condition assessment, the Chesapeake Bay Golf Club North East Dam remains under the regulatory oversight of the Maryland Dam Safety agency. With a spillway width of 15 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 320 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating potential risks. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure the dam's structural integrity and operational efficiency, with the last assessment taking place in April 2021.

As part of the Philadelphia District, the Chesapeake Bay Golf Club North East Dam continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its strategic location and critical role in irrigation and recreation, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring our water infrastructure for the well-being of local communities and the environment.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

Northeast River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Drainage Area

0.51

Nid Storage

33.1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.