Umbc Central Campus Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Umbc Dam Banneker Regional Pond
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Umbc Central Campus Dam in Arbutus, Maryland, is a state-owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 1975, this dam on the West Branch Herbert Run stands at a height of 10 feet and spans 500 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 5 acre-feet, it covers a surface area of 0.75 acres and has a drainage area of 0.05 square miles. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam is deemed to have a significant hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in April 2021.
Managed by the Maryland Dam Safety regulatory agency, the Umbc Central Campus Dam undergoes inspections every 3 years, with the most recent one conducted in July 2020. The dam has an associated Emergency Action Plan (EAP), although details regarding its preparation and compliance with guidelines are not available. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam's risk management measures and overall risk characterization remain unspecified. Located within the Baltimore District, this dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while also posing potential risks that necessitate ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety.
Overall, the Umbc Central Campus Dam serves as a vital water resource infrastructure for the local community, offering recreational benefits amidst its significant hazard potential. As a state-regulated facility with a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam's risk management practices and emergency preparedness remain areas of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its history dating back to the 1970s, this earth dam continues to be a focal point of interest for those studying water management and dam safety in the state of Maryland.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
West Branch Herbert Run |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
0.75 |
Drainage Area |
0.05 |
Nid Storage |
5 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Umbc Central Campus Dam
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