Paulinskill Water Shed #2 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Paulinskill Water Shed #2 Dam, located in Fredon Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, was completed in 1959 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Moores Brook.


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Summary

This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a length of 865 feet, with a storage capacity of 213 acre-feet. The dam is regulated and inspected by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to ensure its continued safe operation.

With a hazard potential rated as high, the Paulinskill Water Shed #2 Dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in December 2021. The dam is equipped with emergency action plans, although the last revision was in March 2016. The Federal funding, design, and construction of the dam were provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, highlighting the collaboration between private ownership and government agencies in managing water resources for flood control in the region. Overall, the Paulinskill Water Shed #2 Dam plays a critical role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding community in Sussex County.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

865

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

Moores Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.86

Nid Storage

213

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

29
       
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.