Garrisons Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Garrisons Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Delaware. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 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 | 11 ft (taller than 20.7% in DE) |
| Dam Length | 830 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 840 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 87 acres |
| Drainage Area | 19 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,740 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| NID ID | DE00030 |
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
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High Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Garrisons Lake Dam?
Garrisons Lake 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 Garrisons Lake Dam?
Garrisons Lake Dam is owned by DELDOT;DNREC DFW (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Garrisons Lake Dam built?
Garrisons Lake Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Garrisons Lake Dam?
Garrisons Lake 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 Garrisons Lake Dam?
Garrisons Lake 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 Garrisons Lake Dam last inspected?
Garrisons Lake Dam was last inspected on June 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.