Highland Lake Dam

Slippery Rock Brook· Passaic, New Jersey· Built 1947· Stone· 40 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Highland Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1947 and is 79 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 40 ft (taller than 95.2% in NJ)
Dam Length104 ft
Dam TypeStone
Max Storage64 acre-ft
Normal Storage49 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,400 cfs
Year Completed1947 (79 years old)
NID IDNJ00240

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 20, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

G.O.P.-1, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Highland Lake Dam?

Highland Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Highland Lake Dam?

Highland Lake Dam is owned by G.O.P.-1, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Highland Lake Dam built?

Highland Lake Dam was completed in 1947, making it 79 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 Highland Lake Dam?

Highland Lake 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 Highland Lake Dam?

Highland Lake Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Highland Lake Dam last inspected?

Highland Lake Dam was last inspected on June 20, 2022. 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.