Lake Owassa Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: April 1, 2026
Lake Owassa Dam, located in Sussex, New Jersey, is a privately owned structure regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Summary
This earth dam, standing at a height of 10 feet and stretching 280 feet in length, serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet and a surface area of 250 acres. Situated on the Paulinskill River-TR, the dam poses a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition.
Despite lacking specific completion and inspection dates, the dam is subject to regular assessments every four years to ensure its safety. While it may not be federally owned or funded, Lake Owassa Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience can appreciate the significance of this dam in providing recreational opportunities while maintaining environmental safety and regulatory compliance.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
Paulinskill River-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
250 |
Drainage Area |
3.7 |
Nid Storage |
1000 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Flat Brook Near Flatbrookville Nj
|
111cfs |
Eb Paulins Kill Near Lafayette Nj
|
24cfs |
Pequest River At Huntsville Nj
|
51cfs |
Delaware River At Montague Nj
|
8770cfs |
Bush Kill At Shoemakers
|
311cfs |
Little Bush Kill At Edgemere
|
10cfs |
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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