Midvale Dam

Wanaque River· Passaic, New Jersey· Built 1928· Earth· 61 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply State Government

Key Takeaway

Midvale Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1928 and is 98 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 61 ft (taller than 97.8% in NJ)
Dam Length290 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage71.3K acre-ft
Surface Area2,400 acres
Drainage Area90 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1928 (98 years old)
NID IDNJ00205

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: October 13, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

North Jersey District Water Supply Commission

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Midvale Dam?

Midvale 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 Midvale Dam?

Midvale Dam is owned by North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Midvale Dam built?

Midvale Dam was completed in 1928, making it 98 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 Midvale Dam?

Midvale Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Midvale Dam?

Midvale Dam has a dam height of 61 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 Midvale Dam last inspected?

Midvale Dam was last inspected on October 13, 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.