Garrisons Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Garrisons Lake Dam in Kent, Delaware, is a gravity-type structure completed in 1964 primarily for creating a fish and wildlife pond, as well as for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam has a height of 10.99 feet and a length of 830 feet, with a storage capacity of 1164 acre-feet and a surface area of 86.7 acres. It is situated on the Leipsic River and is regulated by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

The dam's spillway, with a width of 60 feet, is of the controlled type, and it has two outlet gates - one slide (sluice gate) and one vertical lift gate. The last inspection in April 2020 assessed the dam's condition as fair, with a high hazard potential. The risk assessment indicates a very high risk level, requiring close monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

Overall, Garrisons Lake Dam is a significant water resource infrastructure in Delaware, serving multiple purposes while posing challenges in terms of risk management and maintenance. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure, environment, and public safety would find this dam's characteristics and regulatory oversight by DNREC compelling for further study and monitoring.

Years Modified

2014 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

830

Dam Height

10.99

River Or Stream

LEIPSIC RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

86.7

Drainage Area

18.5

Nid Storage

1164

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Vertical Lift - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.