Shoals Branch Dam
Shoals Branch Dam is a gravity dam located in Sussex County, Delaware. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Shoals Branch Dam
The primary purpose of Shoals Branch Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Deldot (state). It impounds the Shoals Branch near Millsboro.
The dam stands 11 feet tall and stretches 215 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 60 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 268 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/18/2024.
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 | Millsboro |
| River/Stream | Shoals Branch |
| Coordinates | 38.57824, -75.34449 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Length | 215 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 268 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 268 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 206 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 60 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 675 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | DELDOT |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 04/18/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | DE00106 |
| Federal ID | DE00106 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |