Pleasant Valley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Pleasant Valley Lake Dam, located in Mendham Township, New Jersey, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1933, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a length of 365 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 270 acre-feet. The dam is situated on McVickers Brook and is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, with state-permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2021, Pleasant Valley Lake Dam has been assigned a high hazard potential due to its location and the potential consequences of a failure. Emergency action plans are crucial for such structures, and while the dam's EAP preparation status is not specified, regular inspections are conducted every 2 years to monitor its safety. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 2779 cubic feet per second and a drainage area of 3.68 square miles, serving as a vital component of the water resource infrastructure in the Morris County area.

Congressional District 11, represented by Mikie Sherrill, encompasses the area where Pleasant Valley Lake Dam is situated, highlighting the importance of this structure in the local community. With its historical significance, recreational value, and role in water management, Pleasant Valley Lake Dam stands as a key feature in the landscape of Mendham Township and continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Year Completed

1933

Dam Length

365

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

McVickers Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

3.68

Nid Storage

270

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

35
       
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.