Carousel Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Heritage Park, New Castle, Delaware, the Carousel Pond Dam is a local government-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This gravity dam, with a height of 36.28 feet and a length of 475 feet, impounds the Mill Creek - TR river stream, creating a surface area of 8.69 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 250 acre-feet. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is considered to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in August 2017.

Maintained by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Carousel Pond Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 6 feet and has no outlet gates. The dam poses a moderate risk, with no specific risk management measures identified. Although the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status is unclear, the dam's condition assessment and hazard potential indicate a need for ongoing monitoring and potentially improved emergency preparedness measures.

With a picturesque setting and recreational focus, Carousel Pond Dam provides a tranquil oasis in Heritage Park while also presenting challenges in terms of risk management and emergency response. Its significance lies not only in its recreational value but also in the need for continued oversight and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the sustainability of the water resource in the face of changing climate conditions.

Dam Length

475

Dam Height

36.28

River Or Stream

MILL CREEK - TR

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

8.69

Drainage Area

0.69

Nid Storage

250

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

36
       
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.