Frenches Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Frenches Pond Dam in Hackettstown, New Jersey, stands as a historic structure completed in 1850 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This private-owned Earth dam measures 13 feet in height and 225 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 210 acre-feet. Situated on the Musconetcong River, the dam provides a serene 18-acre surface area for visitors to enjoy various water activities.

Managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. With a high hazard potential but assessed as satisfactory in condition, Frenches Pond Dam has a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan in place, last revised in 2007. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of recreation while meeting state regulatory standards.

Located in Byram Township, Frenches Pond Dam remains an essential part of Sussex County's water resource infrastructure. With its rich history and ongoing commitment to safety and recreational use, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of managing and maintaining water structures in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Musconetcong River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

1.65

Nid Storage

210

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.