Montgomery College - Rockville Campus - Swm Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Rockville, Maryland, Montgomery College - Rockville Campus - SWM Dam was completed in 1965 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Watts Branch.


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Summary

Designed by A. Morton Thomas, Inc., this earth dam stands at a height of 13.79 feet and has a normal storage capacity of 4.84 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected and deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of June 2018.

Managed by the local government, this dam is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency and falls under state jurisdiction for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam has undergone modifications in 2010 to enhance its structural integrity. In the event of an emergency, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place, last revised in May 2021. With a drainage area of 0.2 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area and protecting the surrounding community.

As a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction, Montgomery College - Rockville Campus - SWM Dam serves as a key component in the water resource management of Montgomery County, Maryland. With its strategic location and design features, the dam contributes to the overall resilience of the area against potential flooding events. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find this dam to be an interesting case study in sustainable infrastructure development and emergency preparedness.

Years Modified

2010 - Structural

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

95

Dam Height

13.79

River Or Stream

Watts Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.93

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

16.07

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.