Shoals Branch Dam, located in Sussex County, Delaware, is a state-regulated structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
This gravity dam, standing at a height of 11.31 feet and stretching 215 feet in length, creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 268 acre-feet. The dam, built on the Shoals Branch river, has a controlled spillway width of 57 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 454 cubic feet per second.
Despite its recreational significance, Shoals Branch Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment and very high risk rating. With a history of state inspection and enforcement, the dam remains under the jurisdiction of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is equipped with one other controlled outlet gate for operational purposes.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and safety of dams will find Shoals Branch Dam an intriguing case study. With its unique design features and regulatory challenges, this structure serves as a focal point for discussions on risk assessment, emergency action planning, and the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure to protect surrounding communities and natural resources.
Dam Length |
215 |
Dam Height |
11.31 |
River Or Stream |
SHOALS BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
60 |
Drainage Area |
6.76 |
Nid Storage |
268 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |