Shoals Branch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shoals Branch Dam, located in Sussex County, Delaware, is a state-regulated structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

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
       
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.