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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite
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Marsden Tract Group Campsite
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Marsden Tract Campground
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