East Branch Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

East Branch Reservoir Dam, located in Bound Brook, New Jersey, was completed in 1905 and stands at a height of 32.5 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 4675 cubic feet per second. Situated along the East Branch River, the dam boasts a surface area of 9 acres and a drainage area of 10.5 square miles.

Managed by the local government, the East Branch Reservoir Dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition is deemed satisfactory, as of the last assessment in January 2021. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in March 2019, though details regarding its compliance with guidelines and risk management measures are not specified.

The East Branch Reservoir Dam serves as a vital water resource and recreational area in Somerset County, New Jersey. With its historical significance and essential role in managing water flow and storage, the dam remains a key infrastructure for both the community and environmental enthusiasts interested in the intersection of water resources, climate, and dam safety.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

142

Dam Height

32.5

River Or Stream

East Branch

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

10.5

Nid Storage

77

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

33
       
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.