Jessup Prison Dam

Jessup Prison Dam is an earth dam located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, built in 1982. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Jessup Prison Dam

The primary purpose of Jessup Prison 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 Md House Of Corrections (state). It impounds the Dorsey Run-tr.

The dam stands 31 feet tall and stretches 760 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1982, the structure is 44 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 08/13/2024.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

Significant HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMaryland
CountyAnne Arundel
River/StreamDorsey Run-tr
Coordinates39.14020, -76.77950

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height31 ft
Dam Height31 ft
Dam Length760 ft
Year Completed1982 (44 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage75 acre-ft
Max Storage75 acre-ft
Normal Storage20 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,200 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerMD House of Corrections
Owner TypeState
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection08/13/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDMD00326
Federal IDMD00326
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

Nearby Dams