Upper Waterloo Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Upper Waterloo Lake Dam in Sussex, New Jersey, is a state-regulated earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated on the Musconetcong River, this dam has a height of 8.7 feet and a length of 496 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in January 2005.

Owned by the state and under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Upper Waterloo Lake Dam poses a potential risk due to its poor condition. With a drainage area of 62.4 square miles and a surface area of 36 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in recreational activities in Mount Olive Township. The dam's location and design make it a key feature in the region's water resource management and climate adaptation efforts.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Upper Waterloo Lake Dam become increasingly important. With the potential for improved risk assessment and management measures, there is an opportunity to enhance the resilience of this dam and ensure its continued service for recreation and water management in the region.

Dam Length

496

Dam Height

8.7

River Or Stream

Musconctcong River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

36

Drainage Area

62.4

Nid Storage

68

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.