West Milford Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pinecliff Lake Dam Carpi Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
West Milford Lake Dam, located in Ringwood, New Jersey, was completed in 1929 and serves as a recreational lake, offering a surface area of 11 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 102 acre-feet.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 665 feet in length, regulating the flow of Long House Creek. However, despite its picturesque setting, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a high hazard potential.
The dam is privately owned and regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The last inspection in January 2020 indicated a need for maintenance and potential safety concerns, warranting a closer look at risk management measures and emergency action planning. As a critical structure in the region, the West Milford Lake Dam's condition and functionality are crucial factors for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and address to ensure the safety and sustainability of the surrounding community and ecosystems.
With its historical significance and important role in local recreation and water management, West Milford Lake Dam presents a unique opportunity for collaboration between private ownership, state regulators, and concerned citizens to address its current poor condition and high hazard potential. By implementing necessary maintenance and risk management measures, as well as updating emergency action plans, the dam can continue to provide recreational opportunities while safeguarding against potential risks and ensuring the long-term resilience of the surrounding area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed and engaged in the upkeep and management of essential infrastructure like West Milford Lake Dam is crucial for protecting our natural resources and communities in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1929 |
Dam Length |
665 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
Long House Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
102 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
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