River Wall Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

River Wall Dam, located in West Milford Township, New Jersey, is a concrete dam built in 1961 along the Pequannock River for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at 26 feet tall and spanning 2020 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 15 acres. Despite its recreational significance, the dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition, raising concerns about its safety and structural integrity.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, River Wall Dam undergoes regular inspections, with the most recent one conducted in April 2021. With a drainage area of 56.3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 5600 cubic feet per second, the dam's maintenance and upkeep are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with its high hazard potential. Climate and water resource enthusiasts monitoring the impacts of climate change on dams and water infrastructure in the region may find River Wall Dam an intriguing case study due to its structural vulnerabilities and the potential implications for downstream communities.

As the dam's condition assessment remains poor and its hazard potential high, stakeholders, including local authorities and environmental agencies, may need to prioritize necessary repairs and risk management measures to ensure the safety of nearby residents and maintain the dam's functionality for recreational purposes. The data on River Wall Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring of aging infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing stress on water resources.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

2020

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

Pequannock River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

56.3

Nid Storage

50

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.