Records Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Records Pond Dam, located in Laurel, Delaware, serves as a vital structure for water resource management and wildlife conservation in the area.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this gravity dam stands at a height of 25.09 feet and has a length of 740 feet, providing a storage capacity of 612 acre-feet and serving as a habitat for fish and wildlife. The dam is primarily regulated by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam poses a high hazard potential, prompting regular inspections and maintenance activities. The dam underwent significant modifications in 1978 and most recently in 2020 to enhance its hydraulic and structural components, further ensuring its integrity. With a controlled spillway type and a maximum discharge capacity of 2535 cubic feet per second, Records Pond Dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the surrounding area.

In the event of emergencies, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is crucial for preparedness and response efforts. With a very high risk assessment ranking, the dam's risk management measures are continuously evaluated to address any potential vulnerabilities. The collaboration of various agencies and stakeholders underscores the importance of Records Pond Dam as a key infrastructure for both water resource management and environmental conservation in Sussex County, Delaware.

Years Modified

1978 - Hydraulic, 2020 - Hydraulic, 2020 - Structural

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

740

Dam Height

25.09

River Or Stream

BROAD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

91.83

Drainage Area

75.4

Nid Storage

612

Outlet Gates

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

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.