Van Dorans Mill Dam

Passaic River· Morris, New Jersey· Built 1943· Earth· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Van Dorans Mill Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 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 Length940 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage20 acre-ft
Normal Storage12 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Max Discharge2,840 cfs
Year Completed1943 (83 years old)
NID IDNJ00364

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: August 24, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Thompson M. Swayne

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Van Dorans Mill Dam?

Van Dorans Mill 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 Van Dorans Mill Dam?

Van Dorans Mill Dam is owned by Thompson M. Swayne (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Van Dorans Mill Dam built?

Van Dorans Mill Dam was completed in 1943, making it 83 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 Van Dorans Mill Dam?

Van Dorans Mill 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 Van Dorans Mill Dam?

Van Dorans Mill 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 Van Dorans Mill Dam last inspected?

Van Dorans Mill Dam was last inspected on August 24, 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.