Woodcliff Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Woodcliff Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1906 and is 120 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 38 ft (taller than 94.4% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 1,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 117 acres |
| Drainage Area | 19 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 13,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1906 (120 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00247 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
SUEZ Water New Jersey, Inc.
Private
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Low Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Woodcliff Lake Dam?
Woodcliff 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 Woodcliff Lake Dam?
Woodcliff Lake Dam is owned by SUEZ Water New Jersey, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Woodcliff Lake Dam built?
Woodcliff Lake Dam was completed in 1906, making it 120 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 Woodcliff Lake Dam?
Woodcliff Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Woodcliff Lake Dam?
Woodcliff Lake Dam has a dam height of 38 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 Woodcliff Lake Dam last inspected?
Woodcliff Lake Dam was last inspected on September 29, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.