Hearns Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Hearns Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Delaware. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 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 | 14 ft (taller than 50% in DE) |
| Dam Length | 580 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,574 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
| NID ID | DE00060 |
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
DNREC DFW
State Government
Nearby Dams
Williams Pond Dam
Sussex, DE
High Hazard 14 ftConcord Pond Dam
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High Hazard 14 ftCraigs Pond
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Low Hazard 14 ftCollins Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 11 ftFleetwood Pond Dam
Sussex, DE
High Hazard 11 ftCity of Laurel Sewage Lagoon
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High Hazard 13 ftCity of Laurel Sewage Lagoon
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High Hazard 15 ftCity of Laurel Sewage Lagoon
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High Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Hearns Pond Dam?
Hearns 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 Hearns Pond Dam?
Hearns Pond Dam is owned by DNREC DFW (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Hearns Pond Dam built?
Hearns Pond Dam was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Hearns Pond Dam?
Hearns 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 Hearns Pond Dam?
Hearns Pond Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Hearns Pond Dam last inspected?
Hearns Pond Dam was last inspected on November 14, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.