The Valley Mall Expansion Swm Dam in Williamsport, Maryland, is a private dam constructed in 1987 primarily for flood risk reduction along the Conococheague-TR-Semple Run river.
Wind
Humidity
The dam is an earth-core type structure with a height of 19 feet and a hydraulic height of 16 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk rating, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for managing stormwater and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed by the Maryland Dam Safety regulatory agency, the Valley Mall Expansion Swm Dam undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Despite being uncontrolled, the dam features a spillway with a width of 25 feet to manage excess water flow during periods of heavy rainfall. The dam's location within the Baltimore District and its close proximity to Washington County makes it a key piece of infrastructure contributing to the overall water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design and purpose of the Valley Mall Expansion Swm Dam sheds light on the importance of flood risk reduction and infrastructure maintenance in mitigating potential hazards. By recognizing the role of private dams like this one in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events, we can advocate for sustainable water management practices and continued investment in critical infrastructure to adapt to changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
1900 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
Conococheague-TR-Semple Run |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
0.06 |
Nid Storage |
58 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |