Collins Pond Dam

GRAVELLY BRANCH· Sussex, Delaware· Built 1922· Gravity· 11 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Collins Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Delaware. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 20.7% in DE)
Dam Length557 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage1.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.0K acre-ft
Surface Area126 acres
Drainage Area34 sq mi
Max Discharge1,713 cfs
Year Completed1922 (104 years old)
Year Modified1963
NID IDDE00058

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 4, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNREC

Ownership

DELDOT

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Collins Pond Dam?

Collins Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Collins Pond Dam?

Collins Pond Dam is owned by DELDOT (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Collins Pond Dam built?

Collins Pond Dam was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Collins Pond Dam?

Collins Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Collins Pond Dam?

Collins Pond Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Collins Pond Dam last inspected?

Collins Pond Dam was last inspected on May 4, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.