Yards Creek Upper - Main Dam
Key Takeaway
Yards Creek Upper - 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 | 70 ft (taller than 98.4% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 8,931 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 4.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 160 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00160 |
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 - East Dike
Warren, NJ
High Hazard 21 ftYards Creek Upper - S. W. Dike
Warren, NJ
High Hazard 25 ftYards Creek Upper - West Dike
Warren, NJ
High Hazard 52 ftYards Creek Lower - Main Dam
Warren, NJ
High Hazard 55 ftYards Creek Lower - Auxiliary Dike
Warren, NJ
High Hazard 35 ftYards Creek Auxiliary Reservoir Dam
Warren, NJ
Low Hazard 22 ftHidden Lake Dam
Monroe, PA
Significant Hazard 9 ftShawnee Pond
Monroe, PA
Significant Hazard 11 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Yards Creek Upper - Main Dam?
Yards Creek Upper - 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 Upper - Main Dam?
Yards Creek Upper - 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 Upper - Main Dam built?
Yards Creek Upper - 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 Upper - Main Dam?
Yards Creek Upper - 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 Upper - Main Dam?
Yards Creek Upper - Main Dam has a dam height of 70 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 Upper - Main Dam last inspected?
Yards Creek Upper - Main Dam was last inspected on August 24, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.