Lower Mount Glen Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lower Mount Glen Lake Dam, located in Ringwood, New Jersey, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1927 for recreational purposes along the West Brook river.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 15 feet and stretching 465 feet in length, the dam provides a storage capacity of 239 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 15 acres. Despite its scenic recreational appeal, the dam presents a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, last inspected in June 2021.

Managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Lower Mount Glen Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with guidelines. With a maximum discharge capacity of 600 cubic feet per second, the dam's structural integrity and emergency preparedness are critical considerations given its hazard potential. As such, ongoing risk assessments and management measures are essential to mitigate potential dangers and safeguard the surrounding community in West Milford Township.

In the face of climate change and increasing water resource challenges, the maintenance and monitoring of Lower Mount Glen Lake Dam serve as key priorities to protect against potential inundation risks and ensure the continued enjoyment of recreational activities in the area. As stakeholders work towards enhancing the dam's safety and resilience, collaboration between regulatory agencies, private owners, and local communities will be crucial in sustaining the ecological and recreational benefits provided by this historical earth dam.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

465

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

West Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

239

Hazard Potential

High

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.