Echo Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Echo Lake Dam, located in Mountainside Borough, New Jersey, is a concrete structure completed in 1930 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 130 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 45 acre-feet. Situated on Normahegan Brook, this dam is owned and regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and falls under state jurisdiction for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2021, Echo Lake Dam is subject to regular inspections every two years to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam has a drainage area of 2.5 square miles and a surface area of 11 acres, providing recreational opportunities for visitors in the area. Despite not being under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Echo Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in Union County, New Jersey.

Congressional District 07, represented by Tom Malinowski, oversees Echo Lake Dam as part of its constituency. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1180 cubic feet per second, although specific spillway details are not provided. Echo Lake Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for the local community, balancing the needs of recreation with the responsibilities of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

130

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

Normahegan Brook

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

2.5

Nid Storage

45

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
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.