Henion Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Henion Pond Dam, located in West Milford Township, New Jersey, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1926 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 10 feet and a length of 675 feet, this dam impounds the Pequannock River-TR and has a storage capacity of 301 acre-feet. Despite its historic significance, the dam is currently in poor condition and is classified as having a significant hazard potential.

The dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in April 2019. Due to its deteriorating condition, the dam poses a potential risk to the surrounding area in case of a failure, highlighting the importance of timely maintenance and risk management measures. With its picturesque setting and recreational value, the preservation and rehabilitation of Henion Pond Dam are crucial for both water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

As a key structure in the Passaic County watershed, Henion Pond Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources and providing recreational opportunities for the local community. With its poor condition and significant hazard potential, there is a pressing need for investment in the dam's maintenance and rehabilitation to ensure its continued functionality and safety. By addressing these issues, stakeholders can safeguard both the ecological integrity of the Pequannock River-TR and the recreational amenities that the dam provides, while enhancing climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

675

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Pequannock River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

45

Drainage Area

1.1

Nid Storage

301

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
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.