Oswego Dam
Key Takeaway
Oswego Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 13 ft (taller than 39.5% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 855 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 437 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 89 acres |
| Drainage Area | 56 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,731 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00046 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Division of Parks and Forestry
State Government
Nearby Dams
New Jersey No Name # 107 Dam
Burlington, NJ
Low Hazard 10 ftHarrisville Dam
Burlington, NJ
Significant Hazard 13 ftStafford Forge Dam
Ocean, NJ
Significant Hazard 9 ftGifford'S Mill Dam
Ocean, NJ
Significant HazardBatsto Lake Dam
Burlington, NJ
Significant Hazard 12 ftPohatcong Lake Dam
Ocean, NJ
High Hazard 9 ftPleasant Mills Dam
Atlantic, NJ
Significant Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Oswego Dam?
Oswego 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 Oswego Dam?
Oswego Dam is owned by Division of Parks and Forestry (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Oswego Dam built?
Oswego Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Oswego Dam?
Oswego Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Oswego Dam?
Oswego Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Oswego Dam last inspected?
Oswego Dam was last inspected on November 24, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.