Gordon Lakes Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Gordon Lakes Dam, located in West Milford Township, New Jersey, is a private dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 12 feet and a length of 450 feet, the dam holds a normal storage capacity of 46 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 15 acres. Situated on Post Brook-TR, the dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Gordon Lakes Dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in September 2020. The dam poses a significant risk in the event of a failure, but emergency action plans and risk management measures are not explicitly outlined in the available data. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and its inspection frequency is set at every two years to monitor its structural integrity and overall safety.

Gordon Lakes Dam represents an important recreational resource in the area, offering opportunities for water-based activities and enjoyment for the community. However, its high hazard potential underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of surrounding areas in the event of an emergency. Further efforts towards developing and implementing emergency action plans and risk management strategies may be necessary to address potential vulnerabilities and enhance the overall resilience of the dam.

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Post Brook-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

46

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

12
       
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.