Becks Pond Dam

Becks Pond Dam is a gravity dam located in New Castle County, Delaware. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Becks Pond Dam

The primary purpose of Becks Pond Dam is fish and wildlife pond. The dam creates habitat for fish and wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and potentially serving conservation goals. The dam is owned by Deldot;dnrec Dfw (state). It impounds the Belltown Run near Heather Woods.

The dam stands 21 feet tall and stretches 348 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 32 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 square miles.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/16/2024.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Delaware dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateDelaware
CountyNew Castle
Nearest CityHeather Woods
River/StreamBelltown Run
Coordinates39.62511, -75.70317

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeGravity
NID Height21 ft
Dam Height21 ft
Dam Length348 ft

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage500 acre-ft
Max Storage500 acre-ft
Normal Storage140 acre-ft
Surface Area32 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge3,700 cfs
Spillway TypeControlled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFish and Wildlife Pond
OwnerDELDOT;DNREC DFW
Owner TypeState
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection05/16/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDDE00047
Federal IDDE00047
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

Nearby Dams