Lake Como Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Como Dam, located in Smyrna, Delaware, is a gravity dam constructed in 1938 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 15 feet and a length of 181 feet, it impounds Mill Creek, providing a surface area of 53 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 369 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

The dam's spillway, which is controlled and 125 feet wide, allows for a maximum discharge of 1180 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is in fair condition as of the last inspection in April 2020. It is equipped with a slide (sluice gate) as the outlet gate and is considered a very high-risk structure. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are crucial for the safety and security of the surrounding area in the event of a dam failure or emergency situation.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Lake Como Dam will find its historical significance and engineering aspects fascinating. As a vital recreational resource in Kent County, Delaware, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of infrastructure to ensure public safety and water management. The dam's association with Mill Creek and its impact on the local ecosystem make it an intriguing subject for further study and appreciation of the interconnectedness between water resources and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

181

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

53

Drainage Area

6.3

Nid Storage

369

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.