Lake Denmark in Dover, New Jersey, is a Federal-owned water supply reservoir completed in 1904 by the US Army for multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock, fish and wildlife pond, flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply.
Wind
Humidity
The dam is primarily an earth structure with a height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 9 feet, serving a drainage area of 5 square miles with a maximum discharge capacity of 402 cubic feet per second. With a normal storage capacity of 2257 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 3203 acre-feet, the reservoir covers a surface area of 299 acres and holds a significant amount of water for various uses.
Managed and regulated by the US Army, Lake Denmark has a high hazard potential and undergoes inspections every 4 years to ensure its structural integrity. The reservoir features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet and outlet gates including a slide (sluice gate) and two valves. Although the condition assessment is not available, the risk assessment is moderate, and there are measures in place for risk management. While the dam does not have a Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, it meets regulatory guidelines and has emergency contacts updated periodically.
Despite its age, Lake Denmark continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region, providing essential services for the community while maintaining a balance between water supply, recreation, and environmental conservation. As a key infrastructure asset in Morris County, New Jersey, the reservoir underscores the importance of proactive monitoring, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness in safeguarding water resources and mitigating potential hazards associated with dam operations.
Year Completed |
1904 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
Burnt Meadow Brook |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
299 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
3203 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Valve - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |