Hammett Lake Dam

About Hammett Lake Dam

The primary purpose of Hammett Lake Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by John W Simmons;thicketty Creek Watershed Conservation District (private). It impounds the Goucher Creek.

The dam stands 36 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 31 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 739 acre-feet. Completed in 1963, 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. The most recent inspection on record was 04/17/2024.

At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 83% of dams nationwide.

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