Diversified Lane Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Diversified Lane Pond Dam, located in Howard County, Maryland, was completed in 1992 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Pataspco River.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, the dam stands at a height of 8.3 feet and is classified as an Earth dam. Designed by McCormick Taylor, it is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency, with state inspections and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and efficacy.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment and regular inspections, the dam has been identified as having a significant hazard potential. In 2019, structural modifications were made to enhance its safety measures. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in 2021, with emergency contacts and inundation maps yet to be updated. The risk management and assessment measures for the dam are currently unspecified, indicating a need for further evaluation and implementation of safety protocols.

Years Modified

2019 - Structural

Year Completed

1992

Dam Height

8.3

River Or Stream

Pataspco River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

8
       
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.