Pearce Creek Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Cecil, Maryland, Pearce Creek Lake is a federally owned reservoir that serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Pearce Creek River.


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Summary

With a dam height of 20 feet and a length of 2000 feet, this earth dam was completed in 1800 and has a storage capacity of 900 acre-feet. The lake covers an area of 90 acres and is equipped with a controlled spillway to manage water flow during heavy rainfall events.

Although classified as having a low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Pearce Creek Lake is deemed unsatisfactory as of January 2017. Despite this, the risk assessment for the dam is very high, with a rating of 1 on the scale. The dam underwent modifications in 1940 to improve its seismic stability. The area is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Dam Safety agency, which oversees permitting, inspections, and enforcement to ensure the safety of the structure. This makes Pearce Creek Lake a significant location for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and monitor.

Years Modified

1940 - Seismic

Year Completed

1800

Dam Length

2000

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

Pearce Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

90

Nid Storage

900

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.