Bittinger Farm Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bittinger Farm Pond, also known as Little Brown Lake, is a privately owned recreational reservoir located in Garrett County, Maryland.


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Summary

Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 17 feet tall and spans 715 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet of water. The dam, designed for recreational purposes, sits on the Little Savage River and has a surface area of 12 acres with a drainage area of 0.6 square miles.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Bittinger Farm Pond has been inspected regularly, with the last assessment conducted in April 2021. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 28 feet and a maximum discharge rate of 121 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk level, the reservoir has not had any Emergency Action Plans prepared or updated, but it meets regulatory guidelines for the state of Maryland. Situated within the Pittsburgh District, this picturesque pond offers a tranquil setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding natural environment.

Years Modified

1993 - Structural

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

715

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

Little Savage River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

91

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

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.