Killen Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Killen Pond Dam, located in Frederica, Delaware, is a state-owned gravity dam built in 1969 for recreational purposes along the Murderkill River.


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Summary

With a height of 15.59 feet and a length of 800 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 1005 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 645.42 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, with a width of 70 feet, is controlled to manage water discharge effectively.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is rated as very high. It is not currently regulated or inspected by the state, and its condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated." The dam has four other controlled outlet gates, and while an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is not reported, the risk management measures and inundation maps prepared for the dam remain unclear. With its picturesque location and vital role in providing recreational opportunities, Killen Pond Dam stands as a significant structure in Delaware's water resource management landscape.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

15.59

River Or Stream

MURDERKILL RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

78.51

Drainage Area

18.24

Nid Storage

1005

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 4

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.