Silver Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Silver Lake Dam, located in Morris County, New Jersey, is a private earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 15 feet and spanning 830 feet in length, the dam impounds the waters of Pine Brook, creating a picturesque 8-acre lake with a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations.

While the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," its last inspection in January 2000 deemed it to have low hazard potential. With an inspection frequency of four years, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unspecified. Additionally, the dam's associated structures and outlet gates are not specified in the available data. Situated in Harding Township, Silver Lake Dam offers a tranquil recreational spot for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and engage in various outdoor activities.

Overall, Silver Lake Dam presents an interesting case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the intersection of private ownership, state regulation, and recreational purposes in dam infrastructure. As a symbol of human intervention in the natural landscape, the dam serves both practical and leisurely functions, highlighting the need for careful management and monitoring to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region. With its serene surroundings and potential for outdoor recreation, Silver Lake Dam stands as a testament to the balance between human enjoyment and environmental stewardship in water resource management.

Dam Length

830

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Pine Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

7.7

Nid Storage

68

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.