Barbours Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Barbours Pond Dam, located in Woodland Park Borough, New Jersey, was completed in 1888 and serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community.
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Summary
Owned by the local government, this Earth-type dam stands at 20 feet high and spans 142 feet in length, impounding Slippery Rock Brook to create a reservoir with a storage capacity of 202 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of July 2020, the dam is regularly inspected by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to ensure public safety.
The dam's primary purpose is recreation, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation in the surrounding area. Spanning across Passaic County, New Jersey, the Barbours Pond Dam is a key feature of the landscape, providing not only recreational benefits but also contributing to the local ecosystem and water resources. As an essential structure regulated by state authorities, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow, mitigating flood risks, and ensuring the sustainability of Slippery Rock Brook and its surrounding environment.
With a rich history dating back over a century, Barbours Pond Dam stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between water resources and human recreation. As climate change continues to impact our natural environment, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Barbours Pond become increasingly important in safeguarding our water supply and preserving the ecological balance of our communities. By upholding high safety standards and embracing sustainable practices, this historic dam remains a cornerstone of water resource management in New Jersey, serving both as a recreational oasis and a guardian of our precious natural heritage.
Year Completed |
1888 |
Dam Length |
142 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
Slippery Rock Brook |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Drainage Area |
0.6 |
Nid Storage |
202 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
20 |
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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