Echo Lake Upper Dam

Nomahegan Creek· Union, New Jersey· Built 1922· Concrete· 17 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Echo Lake Upper Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 63.3% in NJ)
Dam Length120 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Normal Storage48 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1922 (104 years old)
NID IDNJ00616

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 17, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

County of Union

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Echo Lake Upper Dam?

Echo Lake Upper Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Echo Lake Upper Dam?

Echo Lake Upper Dam is owned by County of Union (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Echo Lake Upper Dam built?

Echo Lake Upper Dam was completed in 1922, making it 104 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Echo Lake Upper Dam?

Echo Lake Upper Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Echo Lake Upper Dam?

Echo Lake Upper Dam has a dam height of 17 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Echo Lake Upper Dam last inspected?

Echo Lake Upper Dam was last inspected on November 17, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.