Records Pond Dam

BROAD CREEK· Sussex, Delaware· Built 1900· Gravity· 25 ft tall
High Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Records Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Delaware. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 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 25 ft (taller than 95.1% in DE)
Dam Length740 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage612 acre-ft
Normal Storage237 acre-ft
Surface Area92 acres
Drainage Area75 sq mi
Max Discharge2,535 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDDE00057

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 14, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNREC

Ownership

DNREC DFW

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Records Pond Dam?

Records 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 Records Pond Dam?

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

When was Records Pond Dam built?

Records Pond Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Records Pond Dam?

Records 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 Records Pond Dam?

Records Pond Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Records Pond Dam last inspected?

Records Pond Dam was last inspected on November 14, 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.