Gordons Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gordons Pond Dam, located in North Shores, Sussex County, Delaware, is a gravity dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1967, this dam stands at a height of 7.06 feet and has a length of 160 feet, with a storage capacity of 416 acre-feet. Situated on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal-OS, this dam serves as a controlled spillway with a width of 20 feet, ensuring water management and safety during extreme weather events.

Despite its low hazard potential, Gordons Pond Dam is rated as Very High (1) in terms of risk assessment. The dam has not been inspected recently, and its condition is currently unrated. While it is not under state jurisdiction, regulatory agencies or permitting processes, the dam remains an important structure for recreational activities in the area. With emergency action plans and risk management measures not specified, it is crucial for stakeholders and enthusiasts to monitor and advocate for the safety and maintenance of Gordons Pond Dam to ensure its continued functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

160

Dam Height

7.06

River Or Stream

LEWES-REHOBOTH CANAL-OS

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

176.37

Drainage Area

0.82

Nid Storage

416

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.