Watchung Lake Dam

Stony Brook West Branch· Somerset, New Jersey· Earth· 19 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Watchung Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	19 ft (taller than 70% in NJ)
Dam Length	420 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	175 acre-ft
Normal Storage	93 acre-ft

Surface Area	16 acres
Drainage Area	3 sq mi
Max Discharge	3,133 cfs
NID ID	NJ00767

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: May 26, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Borough of Watchung

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Watchung Square Dam

Somerset, NJ

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Seeley'S Pond Dam

Union, NJ

Significant Hazard 20 ft

New Market Pond Dam

Middlesex, NJ

Significant Hazard 7 ft

Surprise Lake Dam

Union, NJ

Low Hazard 20 ft

Clearwater Detention Dam

Union, NJ

High Hazard 22 ft

Shackamaxon Dam

Union, NJ

High Hazard 24 ft

Valle Estate At Chatham Dam

Morris, NJ

Significant Hazard 7 ft

Silver Lake Dam

Morris, NJ

Low Hazard 15 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Watchung Lake Dam?

Watchung Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Watchung Lake Dam?

Watchung Lake Dam is owned by Borough of Watchung (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Watchung Lake Dam?

Watchung Lake 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 Watchung Lake Dam?

Watchung Lake Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Watchung Lake Dam last inspected?

Watchung Lake Dam was last inspected on May 26, 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.