Records Pond Dam
Records Pond Dam is a gravity dam located in Sussex County, Delaware, built in 1900. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Records Pond Dam
The primary purpose of Records 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 Dnrec Dfw (state). It impounds the Broad Creek near Laurel.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 740 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 91 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 612 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 75 square miles. Completed in 1900, the structure is over a century old.
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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/04/2024.
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.
Location
| State | Delaware |
| County | Sussex |
| Nearest City | Laurel |
| River/Stream | Broad Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.55863, -75.56758 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 740 ft |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 612 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 612 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 237 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 91 acres |
| Drainage Area | 75 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 13,490 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Fish and Wildlife Pond |
| Owner | DNREC DFW |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/04/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | DE00057 |
| Federal ID | DE00057 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |