Chadswood Swm Pond (Cross Laurel Drive) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chadswood Stormwater Management (SWM) Pond, located in Germantown, Maryland, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along Great Seneca Creek-TR.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1981 by CPJA, this private earth dam stands at 20 feet in height with a spillway width of 10 feet. The pond covers a surface area of 1.2 acres and has a drainage area of 0.42 acres, making it a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure.

Despite its modest size, Chadswood SWM Pond plays a significant role in mitigating flood risks in the area. With a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2021, the dam is inspected every three years to ensure its structural integrity. The hazard potential is deemed significant, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and risk management measures. The pond's last modification in 2015 focused on improving its hydraulic and structural components, further enhancing its effectiveness in flood control.

Managed by a private entity, Chadswood SWM Pond stands as a testament to proactive water resource management in Montgomery County. With its strategic location and efficient design, the pond not only safeguards the local community from potential flooding but also underscores the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in a changing climate. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, the pond serves as a model for effective flood risk reduction and demonstrates the vital role of local infrastructure in water management.

Years Modified

2015 - Hydraulic, 2015 - Structural

Year Completed

1981

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

Great Seneca Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.2

Drainage Area

0.42

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.