Millsboro Pond Dam, located in Sussex County, Delaware, is a gravity dam completed in 1920 with a primary purpose of creating a fish and wildlife pond.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at a height of 15.13 feet and has a length of 510 feet, impounding a maximum storage of 336 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Mirey Branch, with a drainage area of 62.4 square miles and a surface area of 183.65 acres.
Despite its historical significance, Millsboro Pond Dam is currently rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. The last inspection in April 2020 revealed the need for improvements, with a very high risk assessment rating. The dam is regulated by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
The presence of two slide gates for outlet control and a controlled spillway with a width of 160 feet indicate the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of Millsboro Pond Dam. With its critical role in providing habitat for fish and wildlife, as well as recreational opportunities, efforts to address the dam's condition and reduce risk are essential for the long-term safety and sustainability of this water resource in Delaware.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
510 |
Dam Height |
15.13 |
River Or Stream |
MIREY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
183.65 |
Drainage Area |
62.4 |
Nid Storage |
336 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Massey Landing
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Tall Pines Campground
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Trap Pond State Park
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Delaware Seashore State Park
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