Liberty Dam, Maryland, USA

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Quick Facts About Liberty Dam

Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Coordinates: 39.3767, -76.8908
River: North Branch, Patapsco River
Primary Purpose: Water Supply
Type: Gravity
Commissioned: 1953
Dam Height: 175 ft (53 m)
Dam Length: 704 ft (215 m)
Dam Capacity: 177,000 acre-ft (218,326 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Unsatisfactory

Liberty Dam Map

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Liberty Dam Information

Liberty Dam is a gravity dam located about 10 miles from Daniels City, Baltimore, Maryland.

The dam, which is on the North Branch, Patapsco River, was primarily built for Water Supply purposes, but also serves for Recreation benefits.

The dam was designed by Abel Wolman and commissioned in 1953 and is currently owned by Baltimore City DPW Reservoir Section.

Liberty Dam Structure

The Liberty Dam is approximately 704 feet (215 m) long, 175 feet (53 m) high and has a structural volume of cubic yards (0 cubic metres).

Liberty Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 132,000 acre-ft (162,819 Ml) and maximum capacity of 177,000 acre-ft (218,326 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 3,106 acres (1,257 ha) and the total catchment area is 164 square miles (425 square kilometres).

Liberty Dam Spillway

The dam has a 480 feet (146 m) wide uncontrolled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 100148 cubic feet per second (2836 cubic metres per second).

Liberty Dam Compared to Four Famous American Dams

Liberty Dam
Baltimore, Maryland
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft) 175 730 550 357 216
Length (Ft) 704 1,244 5,673 6,920 1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft) 177,000 30,237,000 9,562,000 3,540,000 29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles) 164 167,800 74,100 3,611 108,355

Liberty Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Liberty Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Liberty Dam

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Liberty Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Liberty Dam?

Liberty Dam is in Maryland.

In which county is the Liberty Dam?

Liberty Dam is in Baltimore County.

How high is the Liberty Dam?

Liberty Dam is 175 feet high.

How long is the Liberty Dam?

Liberty Dam is 704 feet long.

Condition Assessment Classification

Satisfactory

No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Fair

No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

Poor

A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Unsatisfactory

A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Not Rated

The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Significant

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

Low

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.

Undetermined

Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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