Willow Crest Dam

Black Brook· Sussex, New Jersey· Built 1965· Earth· 17 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Willow Crest Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. 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 17 ft (taller than 63.3% in NJ)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage351 acre-ft
Normal Storage168 acre-ft
Surface Area28 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Max Discharge5,113 cfs
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDNJ00272

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: August 4, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Division of Parks and Forestry

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Willow Crest Dam?

Willow Crest 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 Willow Crest Dam?

Willow Crest 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 Willow Crest Dam built?

Willow Crest Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Willow Crest Dam?

Willow Crest 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 Willow Crest Dam?

Willow Crest Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Willow Crest Dam last inspected?

Willow Crest Dam was last inspected on August 4, 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.