Abbotts Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Abbotts Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Delaware. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 15 ft (taller than 62.2% in DE) |
| Dam Length | 675 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 304 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 222 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 787 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
| NID ID | DE00053 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
DELDOT;DNREC DFW
State Government
Nearby Dams
Blairs Pond Dam
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High Hazard 13 ftHudson Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 9 ftMarshall Millpond Dam
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Significant Hazard 14 ftClendaniel Pond Dam
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High Hazard 10 ftMccauley Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Abbotts Pond Dam?
Abbotts Pond Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Abbotts Pond Dam?
Abbotts Pond Dam is owned by DELDOT;DNREC DFW (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Abbotts Pond Dam built?
Abbotts Pond Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Abbotts Pond Dam?
Abbotts Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Abbotts Pond Dam?
Abbotts Pond Dam has a dam height of 15 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Abbotts Pond Dam last inspected?
Abbotts Pond Dam was last inspected on May 27, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.