Potomac Dam No. 5
Potomac Dam No. 5 is an earth dam located in Washington County, Maryland, built in 1830. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Potomac Dam No. 5
The primary purpose of Potomac Dam No. 5 is fish and wildlife pond. The dam creates habitat for fish and wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and potentially serving conservation goals. The dam is owned by Doi Nps (federal). It impounds the Potomac River near Williamsport, Md.
The dam stands 20 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 490 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,900 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,100 square miles. Completed in 1830, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/27/2023.
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Location
| State | Maryland |
| County | Washington |
| Nearest City | Williamsport, Md |
| River/Stream | Potomac River |
| Coordinates | 39.60614, -77.92274 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Year Completed | 1830 (196 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,900 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,900 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 490 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,100 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 340,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Fish and Wildlife Pond |
| Owner | DOI NPS |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 07/27/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MD00138 |
| Federal ID | MD00138 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |