Moores Lake Dam

Moores Lake Dam is a gravity dam located in Kent County, Delaware, built in 1967. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Moores Lake Dam

The primary purpose of Moores Lake 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 Isaac Branch near Dover.

The dam stands 14 feet tall and stretches 515 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 30 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 446 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 14 square miles. Completed in 1967, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 05/22/2024.

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Significant HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateDelaware
CountyKent
Nearest CityDover
River/StreamIsaac Branch
Coordinates39.12609, -75.51846

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeGravity
NID Height14 ft
Dam Height14 ft
Dam Length515 ft
Year Completed1967 (59 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage446 acre-ft
Max Storage446 acre-ft
Normal Storage317 acre-ft
Surface Area30 acres
Drainage Area14 sq mi
Max Discharge2,057 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFish and Wildlife Pond
OwnerDELDOT;DNREC DFW
Owner TypeState
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection05/22/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDDE00032
Federal IDDE00032
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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