Wildewood Community Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Wildewood Community Dam, located in St.


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Summary

Mary's County, Maryland, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the Potomac River. Completed in 1989, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 439 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 84 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to mitigate the potential impact of flooding in the surrounding area, making it a vital resource for both the community and the environment.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the Wildewood Community Dam undergoes regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 25 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 1100 cubic feet per second. With a drainage area of 0.94 square miles and a surface area of 1.8 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting the local community from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Maryland Dam Safety regulatory agency, the Wildewood Community Dam exemplifies the importance of proactive risk management and infrastructure maintenance in the face of changing climate patterns. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, it is essential to recognize the critical role that dams like Wildewood play in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events and rising water levels.

Years Modified

1989 - Seismic

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

439

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Potomac River-TR-St. Marys Riv

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.8

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

0.94

Nid Storage

84

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.