Old Morris Canal Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

The Old Morris Canal Dam, located in Boonton, New Jersey, along the Rockaway River, serves as a significant recreational resource in Morris County.


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Summary

This concrete dam, completed in 1932, stands at a height of 18.1 feet and stretches across 200 feet, providing storage for 55 acre-feet of water. With a normal storage capacity of 26 acre-feet and a drainage area of 118.2 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the water flow of the Rockaway River.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Old Morris Canal Dam has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition, with a significant hazard potential. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment occurring in March 2021. Despite its age, the dam continues to function effectively, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like the Old Morris Canal Dam become increasingly important for sustainable water management in the region.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

18.1

River Or Stream

Rockaway River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

118.2

Nid Storage

55

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.