Washington Forge Pond Dam

Rockaway River· Morris, New Jersey· Built 1890· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Washington Forge Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 17.8% in NJ)
Dam Length710 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage96 acre-ft
Normal Storage63 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area29 sq mi
Max Discharge1,207 cfs
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
NID IDNJ00341

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: December 16, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Wharton Borough

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Washington Forge Pond Dam?

Washington Forge Pond 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 Washington Forge Pond Dam?

Washington Forge Pond Dam is owned by Wharton Borough (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Washington Forge Pond Dam built?

Washington Forge Pond Dam was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Washington Forge Pond Dam?

Washington Forge Pond 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 Washington Forge Pond Dam?

Washington Forge Pond Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Washington Forge Pond Dam last inspected?

Washington Forge Pond Dam was last inspected on December 16, 2020. 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.