Pecks Branch Dam (ashburton)
Pecks Branch Dam (ashburton) is an earth dam located in Baltimore City, Maryland, built in 1956. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Pecks Branch Dam (ashburton)
Pecks Branch Dam (ashburton) is a dam in Baltimore City, Maryland. The dam is owned by Baltimore City Dpw Reservoir Section (local government). It impounds the Gwynns Run-offstream near Baltimore City.
The dam stands 59 feet tall and stretches 1,500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 141 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1956, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Notably, no emergency action plan is currently on file for this high-hazard dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/13/2024.
At 59 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Maryland dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Maryland |
| County | Baltimore City |
| Nearest City | Baltimore City |
| River/Stream | Gwynns Run-offstream |
| Coordinates | 39.32021, -76.66579 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 59 ft |
| Dam Height | 59 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 141 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 141 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 89 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | Baltimore City DPW Reservoir Section |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/13/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MD00023 |
| Federal ID | MD00023 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |