Van Dusen Road Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Van Dusen Road is a dam located in Prince George's County, Maryland, along the Bear Branch.


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Summary

Constructed in 1988, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans 600 feet in length. The dam is regulated by the Maryland Dam Safety agency and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Van Dusen Road Dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of April 2021. Emergency action plans are in place, although details on their specifics are not provided in the data. The dam's last inspection was conducted in December 2019, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 3 years.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Van Dusen Road Dam serves as a critical infrastructure in managing water flow and protecting surrounding areas from potential flooding. With its location in a densely populated county, the dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities and properties downstream. Continued monitoring and maintenance efforts ensure that the dam remains a reliable structure for water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

Bear Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

23
       
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.