New Jersey No Name # 15 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The New Jersey No Name #15 Dam, located in Pellettown, Wantage Township, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1955 for recreational purposes along the Branch Papakating Creek.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 14 feet and stretching 750 feet in length, this dam has a storage capacity of 270 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 31 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this dam has not been inspected since May 2002, with an inspection frequency of every 4 years.

Despite its age, the New Jersey No Name #15 Dam remains a vital part of the local water resource infrastructure, providing recreational opportunities and contributing to the surrounding ecosystem. Being under state regulation and jurisdiction, the dam is subject to regular permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the NJDEP to ensure its safety and functionality. With a maximum discharge capacity of 98 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage in the area, benefiting both humans and wildlife.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like the New Jersey No Name #15 Dam becomes even more critical. With its strategic location in Sussex County, New Jersey, and its role in recreation and water management, this dam serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between human development and natural ecosystems, highlighting the need for sustainable practices and proactive risk management in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

Branch Papakating Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.47

Nid Storage

270

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.