Loch Raven Dam Rehabilitation

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Loch Raven Dam is undergoing a major structural transformation. State and Federal regulations require that Loch Raven Dam be rehabilitated and modified to withstand future significant storm events. The project is expected to be complete in 2005.
An overview of the project is presented below, and additional photographs and information can be found through the "Project Progress" links at the top and bottom of this page

The Dam

The upper Loch Raven Dam was originally constructed in 1912, to a height roughly 20 feet above the streambed. 

Ten years later, it was raised approximately 60 feet, to its current elevation of 288 feet above sea level.

In the early 1970’s, structural improvements to the face of the dam, and mechanical improvements to the intakes were completed.   But the structure completed in 1922 is essentially the same dam we see today.

This well-known local landmark impounds the Loch Raven Reservoir, which holds nearly 20 billion gallons of water.  Thousands of citizens from around the region enjoy the reservoir’s watershed year-round, for its recreational and natural features.  But over one million people in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, rely on Loch Raven
Reservoir for the drinking water in their homes, businesses, and industries.  Therefore, protection of this dam is critical to the continued safe supply of drinking water throughout the region.

The structure is a gravity dam, which means that its it relies on its own weight for stability. This project will add significant mass to the existing dam as a public safety improvement.

Steel anchors will be installed through the dam and into the underlying bedrock. Silt and debris that have accumulated at the base in front of the dam will be removed, and roller compacted concrete (RCC) set to stabilize the toe of the dam. then, roller compacted contrete will be added to the face of the dam, as shown above.

The height of the spillway will not change, however, the sidewalls, or non-overflow sections, will be raised 20' on each side of the spillway.

Before Construction

Proposed After Construction

Citizens Advisory Committee

To keep neighboring communities up-to-date and involved throughout this significant project, the City has formed a Citizens Advisory Committee. The committee includes representatives from the Dulaney Valley Road, Providence Road, and Cromwell Bridge Road corridors; County and State elected officials; representatives from the City and County Departments of Public Works, and local emergency services representatives (fire and police).

Through this committee, lines of communication have been established whereby citizen concerns can be discussed, and project information provided to the community as construction continues. The committee will be in place throughout the duration of this project.

Citizens Advisory Committee Site Visit: 9-03

City Project Representative