Old Morris Canal Dam

Rockaway River· Morris, New Jersey· Built 1932· Concrete· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Old Morris Canal Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1932 and is 94 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 66.3% in NJ)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage55 acre-ft
Normal Storage26 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area118 sq mi
Max Discharge3,854 cfs
Year Completed1932 (94 years old)
NID IDNJ00173

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: March 23, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Town of Boonton

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Old Morris Canal Dam?

Old Morris Canal 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 Old Morris Canal Dam?

Old Morris Canal Dam is owned by Town of Boonton (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Old Morris Canal Dam built?

Old Morris Canal Dam was completed in 1932, making it 94 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 Old Morris Canal Dam?

Old Morris Canal 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 Old Morris Canal Dam?

Old Morris Canal Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Old Morris Canal Dam last inspected?

Old Morris Canal Dam was last inspected on March 23, 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.