High Crest Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

High Crest Lake Dam, located in Butler, New Jersey, is a privately owned structure built in 1952 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 21.5 feet with a length of 520 feet, serves to create a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 240 acre-feet. Positioned on the Pequannock River-TR, this earth dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its recreational significance, High Crest Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam has a drainage area of 0.6 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1050 cubic feet per second. With a surface area of 40 acres, the dam's capacity for storing water is crucial for managing the surrounding water resources. Although there are no associated structures or locks, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unspecified.

As a key feature in West Milford Township, High Crest Lake Dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and preservation of dam infrastructure. With its historical significance dating back to the early 1950s, the dam continues to play a vital role in recreational activities while also posing challenges in terms of maintenance and safety. Further attention to the dam's condition, emergency preparedness, and risk assessment is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of this important water resource structure.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

21.5

River Or Stream

Pequannock River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

395

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
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.