Point Of Rocks Dam dam
Point Of Rocks Dam
Point of Rocks Dam, also known as Potomac Station Swm Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in Point of Rocks, Maryland, along the Potomac River. Completed in 1990, this earth dam stands at a height of 13.8 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a normal storage capacity of 3 billion gallons and a maximum discharge rate of 1120 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flood events in the region.
Despite its importance in flood management, Point of Rocks Dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in February 2019 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, warranting immediate attention to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities and the integrity of the structure. The dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are under scrutiny, highlighting the need for proactive maintenance and upgrade efforts to enhance its resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the developments surrounding Point of Rocks Dam, the focus remains on ensuring the dam's structural integrity and emergency preparedness. With its critical role in flood risk reduction along the Potomac River, addressing the dam's current condition and implementing necessary enhancements will be vital in safeguarding the community and the environment from potential disasters. Collaborative efforts between local authorities, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders will be essential in managing the risks associated with this significant infrastructure.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Point Of Rocks Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Potomac River At Point Of Rocks | 2,160 cfs | → |
| Catoctin Creek At Taylorstown | 22 cfs | → |
| N F Catoctin Creek At Rt 681 Near Waterford | 5 cfs | → |
| Bennett Creek At Park Mills | 283 cfs | → |
| S F Catoctin Creek At Rt 698 Near Waterford | 5 cfs | → |
| Limestone Branch Near Leesburg | 2 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Point Of Rocks Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Point Of Rocks Dam
Where does the data for Point Of Rocks Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.