Linden Chapel Road Swm Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Linden Chapel Road SWM Dam is a significant earth dam located in Clarksville, MD, along the Middle Patuxent River-TR.
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Summary
Built in 1989, the dam stands at a height of 16 feet and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure in Howard County, Maryland. Designed by McCormick Taylor, Inc, the dam covers a surface area of 0.3 square miles and has a drainage area of 0.08 square miles.
Managed by the local government, Linden Chapel Road SWM Dam is inspected periodically by the Maryland Dam Safety regulatory agency to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. The dam holds a hazard potential rating of "Significant" but has been evaluated as being in a "Satisfactory" condition as of the last assessment in June 2018. Despite its importance in flood risk reduction, the dam does not have associated spillways or locks, emphasizing its focus on managing water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Linden Chapel Road SWM Dam for its role in safeguarding the community against flooding and its contribution to the overall water management infrastructure in the region. With its strategic location along the Middle Patuxent River, the dam serves as a crucial line of defense in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of residents in Howard County, Maryland. As a well-maintained structure with a history of satisfactory condition assessments, Linden Chapel Road SWM Dam exemplifies the importance of proactive dam management to address the challenges of water resource and climate change.
Year Completed |
1989 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
Middle Patuxent River-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
0.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.08 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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