Moores Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Moores Lake Dam, located in Kent County, Delaware, is a gravity dam completed in 1967 for the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 14.02 feet and stretching a length of 515 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 446 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 30.8 acres. With its location on Isaac Branch, the dam is regulated by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Despite being categorized as having a significant hazard potential, Moores Lake Dam is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in May 2020. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled and spans a width of 63 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 2057 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a rating of 3, there is currently no designated emergency action plan (EAP) in place. With its purpose of supporting fish and wildlife habitats and offering recreational opportunities, Moores Lake Dam serves as a vital water resource in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Moores Lake Dam to be an intriguing structure, not only for its engineering design and function but also for its importance in supporting local ecosystems and recreation activities. As a state-regulated dam in Delaware, it stands as a symbol of the balance between human infrastructure development and environmental conservation efforts. With its significant hazard potential and fair condition, the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of Moores Lake Dam are crucial to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of the natural resources it sustains.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

515

Dam Height

14.02

River Or Stream

ISAAC BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

30.8

Drainage Area

14.1

Nid Storage

446

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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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.