Trap Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Trap Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Delaware. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 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 | 14 ft (taller than 50% in DE) |
| Dam Length | 1,040 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 4.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 94 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,100 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
| NID ID | DE00017 |
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 DPR
State Government
Nearby Dams
Davis Pond Dam
Sussex, DE
Significant Hazard 10 ftTrussams Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 12 ftChipman Pond Dam
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High Hazard 14 ftRecords Pond Dam
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High Hazard 25 ftCity of Laurel Sewage Lagoon
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High Hazard 15 ftHorseys Pond Dam
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High Hazard 19 ftCity of Laurel Sewage Lagoon
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High Hazard 13 ftCity of Laurel Sewage Lagoon
Sussex, DE
High Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Trap Pond Dam?
Trap 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 Trap Pond Dam?
Trap Pond Dam is owned by DELDOT;DNREC DPR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Trap Pond Dam built?
Trap Pond Dam was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Trap Pond Dam?
Trap Pond Dam 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 Trap Pond Dam?
Trap 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 Trap Pond Dam last inspected?
Trap Pond Dam was last inspected on April 13, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.