Moores Lake Dam

ISAAC BRANCH· Kent, Delaware· Built 1967· Gravity· 14 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Moores Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Delaware. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 50% in DE)
Dam Length515 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage446 acre-ft
Normal Storage318 acre-ft
Surface Area31 acres
Drainage Area14 sq mi
Max Discharge2,057 cfs
Year Completed1967 (59 years old)
NID IDDE00032

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: June 2, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNREC

Ownership

DELDOT;DNREC DFW

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Moores Lake Dam?

Moores Lake 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 Moores Lake Dam?

Moores 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 Moores Lake Dam built?

Moores Lake Dam was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 Moores Lake Dam?

Moores 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 Moores Lake Dam?

Moores Lake 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 Moores Lake Dam last inspected?

Moores Lake Dam was last inspected on June 2, 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.