Oswego Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Oswego Dam, located in Washington Township, New Jersey, along the Oswego River, is a state-regulated structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1936, stands at a height of 13 feet and spans a length of 855 feet, with a storage capacity of 437 acre-feet. Despite its historical significance, the dam is currently rated as having poor condition and significant hazard potential, with the last inspection in November 2020 revealing the need for improvements.
The dam's condition assessment and emergency action plan have been identified as areas requiring attention, with the need for updated inundation maps and risk management measures. The dam's maintenance and safety protocols are under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), ensuring that regular inspections and enforcement measures are in place. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1731 cubic feet per second and a drainage area of 56.3 square miles, Oswego Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts to ensure its structural integrity and safety for surrounding communities.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the management of dams like Oswego Dam becomes increasingly critical for mitigating flood risks and ensuring sustainable water use. The dam's location in Burlington County, New Jersey, within the Philadelphia District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, underscores the collaborative efforts required to address the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and changing environmental conditions. By prioritizing updates to the dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment measures, stakeholders can work towards enhancing the resilience of Oswego Dam and safeguarding its vital role in water supply and recreational activities in the region.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
855 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
Oswego River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
89 |
Drainage Area |
56.3 |
Nid Storage |
437 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hawkin Bridge Campground
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Godfrey Bridge - Wharton State Forest
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Godfrey Bridge Campground
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Bodine Field
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Bass River State Forest
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Batona Camp
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Oswego Dam