Highland Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Highland Lake Dam in West Paterson, New Jersey, stands as a vital structure along Slippery Rock Brook, serving primarily for recreational purposes since its completion in 1947.


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Summary

This private dam, with a height of 40 feet and a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet, plays a key role in managing water resources in the region. With a hazard potential rated as high, regular inspections ensure its satisfactory condition, last assessed in November 2020.

Situated within Passaic County, the Highland Lake Dam is under the regulatory oversight of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), reflecting the state's commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of its water infrastructure. The dam's impressive 104-foot length and capacity to discharge up to 1400 cubic feet per second underscore its importance in flood control and water management efforts. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in protecting the surrounding Woodland Park Borough from potential inundation events.

Highland Lake Dam's location in a high-risk area necessitates robust emergency preparedness, with the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) last revised in April 2010. As climate change impacts intensify, the need for comprehensive risk assessment and management measures for critical infrastructure like Highland Lake Dam becomes increasingly pressing. Through continued monitoring, inspection, and coordination with relevant agencies, the dam serves as a crucial component in safeguarding the local community and water resources in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

104

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

Slippery Rock Brook

Primary Dam Type

Stone

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

0.76

Nid Storage

64

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
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.