Oak Ridge Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Oak Ridge Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1892 and is 134 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 | 60 ft (taller than 97.7% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 1,275 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 15.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 12.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 421 acres |
| Drainage Area | 27 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 27,225 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1892 (134 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00014 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
City of Newark, Department of Water and Sewer Utilities
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Moose Pac Lake Dam
Morris, NJ
Significant Hazard 10 ftCamp Nyoda Dam
Morris, NJ
Significant Hazard 9 ftCozy Lake Dam
Morris, NJ
Low Hazard 8 ftSwannanoa Lake #2 (North) Dam
Morris, NJ
High Hazard 11 ftSwannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam
Morris, NJ
High Hazard 15 ftLower Crest Lake Dam
Passaic, NJ
Significant HazardUpper Crest Lake Dam
Passaic, NJ
Significant HazardLake Stockholm Dam
Sussex, NJ
Significant Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Oak Ridge Reservoir Dam?
Oak Ridge Reservoir 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 Oak Ridge Reservoir Dam?
Oak Ridge Reservoir Dam is owned by City of Newark, Department of Water and Sewer Utilities (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Oak Ridge Reservoir Dam built?
Oak Ridge Reservoir Dam was completed in 1892, making it 134 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 Oak Ridge Reservoir Dam?
Oak Ridge Reservoir 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 Oak Ridge Reservoir Dam?
Oak Ridge Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 60 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 Oak Ridge Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Oak Ridge Reservoir Dam was last inspected on December 3, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.