Spooky Brook Dam

Delaware - Raritan Canal-· Somerset, New Jersey· Built 1971· Earth· 21 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Spooky Brook Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 78.3% in NJ)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage126 acre-ft
Normal Storage72 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area35 sq mi
Max Discharge1,003 cfs
Year Completed1971 (55 years old)
NID IDNJ00374

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: September 17, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

County of Somerset

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Spooky Brook Dam?

Spooky Brook 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 Spooky Brook Dam?

Spooky Brook Dam is owned by County of Somerset (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Spooky Brook Dam built?

Spooky Brook Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Spooky Brook Dam?

Spooky Brook 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 Spooky Brook Dam?

Spooky Brook Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Spooky Brook Dam last inspected?

Spooky Brook Dam was last inspected on September 17, 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.