Germantown Estates Regional Facility Swm Dam (Steeple Road) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Germantown, Maryland, the Germantown Estates Regional Facility SWM Dam (Steeple Road) is a crucial structure designed for flood risk reduction along the Seneca Creek-TR.


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Summary

Built in 1995, this private earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and boasts a storage capacity of 75.8 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 54 feet and a low hazard potential, the dam is inspected regularly by the Maryland Dam Safety agency to ensure its structural integrity and satisfactory condition.

Managed by a private owner, the Germantown Estates Regional Facility SWM Dam plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks in the Montgomery County area. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has proven to be effective in safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential inundation events. Its strategic location and design highlight the importance of sustainable water resource management to combat the impacts of climate change on local ecosystems and infrastructure.

With a focus on flood risk reduction, the Germantown Estates Regional Facility SWM Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners and state regulatory agencies in ensuring the safety and resilience of water infrastructure in Maryland. As climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals continue to monitor and assess the impact of extreme weather events, structures like this dam serve as critical components in adapting to a changing climate and protecting communities from the destructive forces of nature.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

Seneca Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.06

Nid Storage

75.8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.