Christiana Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Christiana Lake Dam, also known as Smalleys Pond Dam, is a private dam located in Christiana, Delaware, along the Christina River.


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Summary

Built in 1907, this dam serves primarily as a water supply source with a storage capacity of 648 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans 470 feet in length, making it a vital structure for water management in the area.

Despite its age, Christiana Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. While it is not regulated or inspected by the state, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding community. The dam's design, featuring a buttress core type, highlights its engineering excellence and longevity in serving its primary purpose.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Christiana Lake Dam presents a fascinating example of early 20th-century dam construction and water management practices. Its location in New Castle County, Delaware, showcases the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region. As a private dam, it serves as a reminder of the diverse ownership and management of water infrastructure across the United States.

Year Completed

1907

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

CHRISTINA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

19

Nid Storage

648

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.