Willow Crest Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Willow Crest Dam, located in Stillwater Township, New Jersey, is a state-owned earth dam constructed in 1965 on the Black Brook river.


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Summary

With a height of 17 feet and a length of 400 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 28 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 351 acre-feet. The dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, as per the last inspection conducted in August 2021.

Managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Willow Crest Dam is regularly inspected and regulated to ensure its safety and compliance with state standards. The dam is situated in a scenic area in Sussex County, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide essential water resource management and recreational benefits to the local community, demonstrating the importance of proper maintenance and oversight of critical infrastructure in the face of climate variability and change.

As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, it is crucial to recognize the role of structures like Willow Crest Dam in balancing water supply, flood control, and recreational needs in a changing climate. By staying informed about the condition and management of dams like Willow Crest, we can contribute to sustainable water resource practices and help protect our communities from the impacts of extreme weather events and water scarcity.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

Black Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Drainage Area

7.4

Nid Storage

351

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
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.