Pocahontas Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Speedwell Dam Burnham Park Lower Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Pocahontas Dam, located in Morris County, New Jersey, is a concrete dam completed in 1920 on the Whippany River.
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Summary
With a height of 11.3 feet and a length of 168 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. The reservoir created by Pocahontas Dam has a normal storage capacity of 39 acre-feet, providing a serene escape for locals and visitors alike.
Despite its age, Pocahontas Dam is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its safety and structural integrity. The dam has a high hazard potential, but its condition assessment as of October 2021 was rated as fair. Emergency action plans are in place, with inspections conducted every two years to address any potential risks or issues that may arise. The dam's location in Morristown, with easy access to surrounding areas, makes it a valuable water resource for the community and an important site for climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of water management and recreation.
In addition to its recreational benefits, Pocahontas Dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and providing flood protection for the region. With a drainage area of 25.3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1565 cubic feet per second, the dam helps mitigate the risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. The reservoir created by the dam covers a surface area of 15 acres and has a total storage capacity of 74 acre-feet, making it an essential component of the local water infrastructure. As climate change impacts become more pronounced, the importance of sustainable water resource management, exemplified by Pocahontas Dam, only continues to grow.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
168 |
Dam Height |
11.3 |
River Or Stream |
Whippany River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
15 |
Drainage Area |
25.3 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
11 |
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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