Yards Creek Lower - Main Dam
Key Takeaway
Yards Creek Lower - Main Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 55 ft (taller than 97% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 1,450 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 310 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,895 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00159 |
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
Yards Creek Energy, LLC
Private
Nearby Dams
Yards Creek Upper - Main Dam
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High Hazard 70 ftYards Creek Lower - Auxiliary Dike
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High Hazard 35 ftYards Creek Upper - East Dike
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High Hazard 21 ftYards Creek Auxiliary Reservoir Dam
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Low Hazard 22 ftYards Creek Upper - S. W. Dike
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High Hazard 25 ftYards Creek Upper - West Dike
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High Hazard 52 ftLake Susquehanna Dam
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Low Hazard 19 ftYoungs Pond Dam
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High Hazard 18 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Yards Creek Lower - Main Dam?
Yards Creek Lower - Main 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 Yards Creek Lower - Main Dam?
Yards Creek Lower - Main Dam is owned by Yards Creek Energy, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Yards Creek Lower - Main Dam built?
Yards Creek Lower - Main 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 Yards Creek Lower - Main Dam?
Yards Creek Lower - Main Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Yards Creek Lower - Main Dam?
Yards Creek Lower - Main Dam has a dam height of 55 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 Yards Creek Lower - Main Dam last inspected?
Yards Creek Lower - Main Dam was last inspected on August 24, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.