Trap Pond Dam, located in Sussex, Delaware, is a gravity dam completed in 1938 primarily for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
The dam sits on the Hitch Pond Branch and has a height of 14.27 feet and a length of 1040 feet, providing a storage capacity of 4343 acre-feet. With a surface area of 93.6 acres and a drainage area of 15.91 square miles, the dam also features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 130 feet.
Managed by the State of Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Trap Pond Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. Although it has a fair condition assessment as of April 2020, the dam's hazard potential is considered high. Despite this, the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level (3), prompting the need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.
Trap Pond Dam, nestled in the serene surroundings of Lake Pines, serves as a vital recreational asset while also contributing to water resource management in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the complexities of this dam's design, operation, and maintenance sheds light on the intricate balance between human recreation and environmental conservation. Moving forward, continued monitoring and maintenance efforts will be crucial in safeguarding Trap Pond Dam and its surrounding ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
1040 |
Dam Height |
14.27 |
River Or Stream |
HITCH POND BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
93.6 |
Drainage Area |
15.91 |
Nid Storage |
4343 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |