Unicorn Branch Dam
Unicorn Branch Dam is an earth dam located in Queen Anne's County, Maryland, built in 1964. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Unicorn Branch Dam
The primary purpose of Unicorn Branch Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Md Dnr-public Lands, Engineering & Constr-eastern (state). It impounds the Unicorn Branch near Unicorn.
The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 927 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 48 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 539 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 20 square miles. Completed in 1964, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 12/23/2024.
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Location
| State | Maryland |
| County | Queen Anne's |
| Nearest City | Unicorn |
| River/Stream | Unicorn Branch |
| Coordinates | 39.24770, -75.85940 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 13 ft |
| Dam Height | 13 ft |
| Dam Length | 927 ft |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 539 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 539 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 116 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 48 acres |
| Drainage Area | 20 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,626 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | MD DNR-Public Lands, Engineering & Constr-Eastern |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 12/23/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MD00047 |
| Federal ID | MD00047 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |