Noxontown Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Noxontown Pond Dam, located in Odessa, Delaware, is a gravity dam completed in 1966 primarily for recreational purposes, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 2,610 acre-feet.


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Summary

The dam stands at 14 feet tall and stretches 960 feet in length, impounding the waters of the Appoquinimink River. With a surface area of 136.57 acres and a drainage area of 9.78 square miles, the dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 60 feet to manage maximum discharges of up to 1,840 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified with a low hazard potential, the dam is rated as having a very high risk due to the potential consequences of failure. As of the last assessment, the dam's condition remains unrated, and emergency action plans and risk management measures are not specified. The responsibility for the dam lies with the state of Delaware, as it is state-owned and not under federal regulation, inspection, or enforcement. The surrounding community, led by Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, has a vested interest in the dam's safety and maintenance to ensure continued recreational opportunities and protection of downstream areas.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

960

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

APPOQUINIMINK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

136.57

Drainage Area

9.78

Nid Storage

2610

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 2

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.