West Farm Regional Swm Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Montgomery, Maryland, the West Farm Regional Stormwater Management (SWM) Pond, also known as the Washington Adventist SWM Pond, serves as a key infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area.


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Summary

Built in 1987 by Greenhorne and Omara, this private-owned earth dam stands at 25 feet high with a length of 260 feet, offering a storage capacity of 132 acre-feet to mitigate potential flooding events. The pond plays a crucial role in managing the Paint Branch-TR watershed, covering a drainage area of 0.67 square miles and capable of discharging up to 3742 cubic feet per second.

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the West Farm Regional SWM Pond also doubles as a recreational space for the community. Its satisfactory condition assessment and significant hazard potential underscore the importance of regular inspections and maintenance efforts to ensure structural integrity and public safety. The Maryland Dam Safety agency oversees its state-regulated operations, permitting, and enforcement, highlighting the collaborative efforts to manage water resources efficiently in the region.

As climate change intensifies and extreme weather events become more frequent, the West Farm Regional SWM Pond stands as a critical infrastructure for flood control and water management in Montgomery, Maryland. Its strategic location and design demonstrate a proactive approach to climate resilience and adaptation, showcasing the vital role of stormwater management ponds in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of changing weather patterns. By maintaining and enhancing such sustainable water resources infrastructure, we can better prepare for the challenges posed by a shifting climate and ensure a more resilient future for all.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

Paint Branch-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.67

Nid Storage

132

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
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.