Silver Lake Dam - Middletown
Key Takeaway
Silver Lake Dam - Middletown is classified as high hazard in Delaware. It was completed in 1931 and is 95 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 18 ft (taller than 82.9% in DE) |
| Dam Length | 520 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 452 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 149 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 45 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,100 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1931 (95 years old) |
| NID ID | DE00051 |
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
State Government
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What is the hazard classification of Silver Lake Dam - Middletown?
Silver Lake Dam - Middletown 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 Silver Lake Dam - Middletown?
Silver Lake Dam - Middletown is owned by DELDOT (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Silver Lake Dam - Middletown built?
Silver Lake Dam - Middletown was completed in 1931, making it 95 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 Silver Lake Dam - Middletown?
Silver Lake Dam - Middletown 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 Silver Lake Dam - Middletown?
Silver Lake Dam - Middletown has a dam height of 18 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 Silver Lake Dam - Middletown last inspected?
Silver Lake Dam - Middletown was last inspected on June 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.