Jennings Randolph Dam
Jennings Randolph Dam is a rockfill dam located in Mineral County, Maryland, built in 1981. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Jennings Randolph Dam
The primary purpose of Jennings Randolph 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 Usace - Baltimore District (federal). It impounds the North Branch Potomac River near Barnum.
The dam stands 296 feet tall and stretches 2,130 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 965 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 130,900 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 263 square miles. Completed in 1981, the structure is 45 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/03/2024.
At 296 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | Mineral |
| Nearest City | Barnum |
| River/Stream | North Branch Potomac River |
| Coordinates | 39.43224, -79.12241 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 296 ft |
| Dam Height | 296 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,130 ft |
| Year Completed | 1981 (45 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 130,900 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 130,900 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 94,700 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 965 acres |
| Drainage Area | 263 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 193,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | USACE - Baltimore District |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 06/03/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MD00069 |
| Federal ID | MD00069 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |