Picatinny Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Picatinny Lake, located in Morris County, New Jersey, is a picturesque water resource managed by the US Army for water supply purposes.


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Summary

The lake, originally completed in 1904, has a dam height of 15 feet and a storage capacity of 655 acre-feet. With a surface area of 110 acres and a drainage area of 9 square miles, Picatinny Lake serves multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock pond, and recreation in addition to its primary function as a water supply source.

The dam at Picatinny Lake is classified as an earth dam with buttress and stone core types, built on rock and soil foundations. The spillway is controlled with a width of 61 feet, ensuring water discharge during high flow events. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment for the dam is not available, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. Picatinny Lake offers a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and explore the intersection of human infrastructure with natural ecosystems.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Green Pond Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

110

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

9

Nid Storage

655

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 6

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.