Country Meadows Swm Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Country Meadows Swm Pond, located in Laurel, Maryland, serves as a vital flood risk reduction infrastructure designed by Fisher, Collins, and Carter, Inc.


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Summary

Completed in 1988, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet with a hydraulic height of 11 feet and a structural height of 14 feet. The primary purpose of this pond is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 10 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.12 square miles.

Despite its crucial role in mitigating flood risks, the Country Meadows Swm Pond has been assessed to be in poor condition with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in December 2019 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, prompting the need for maintenance and rehabilitation measures to ensure its effectiveness and safety. With a moderate risk level assigned, there is a pressing need for proactive risk management and maintenance strategies to safeguard the surrounding community from potential dangers.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to monitor and address the condition of essential infrastructure like the Country Meadows Swm Pond to uphold its functionality and protect against the impacts of extreme weather events. Collaborative efforts between local government agencies and regulatory bodies are essential in implementing necessary repairs and improvements to enhance the resilience of this critical flood risk reduction facility in Howard County, Maryland.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

Hammond Branch-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.5

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

10

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

17
       
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.