Karington Swm Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Karington Swm Dam, located in Lanham, Maryland, was completed in 2007 and serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area.


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Summary

Owned privately, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 127 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 86.3 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Collington Br-Western Br-TR river system and falls under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Dam Safety agency.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Karington Swm Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flooding events in Prince George's County. Despite being not rated for its condition assessment, the dam is regularly inspected by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. The spillway type of the dam is uncontrolled, with a spillway width of 5 feet, allowing for the controlled release of excess water during periods of high inflow.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the importance of Karington Swm Dam as a key component of flood management infrastructure in Maryland. With its strategic location and design features, the dam contributes to reducing flood risks in the region while providing essential water storage capacity. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure the dam's reliability in safeguarding communities and properties from potential water-related hazards, highlighting its critical role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

2007

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Collington Br-Western Br-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.9

Drainage Area

11.4

Nid Storage

127

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.