Lake Morski Oko Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Lake Morski Oko Dam, located in Jefferson Township, Morris County, New Jersey, stands as a crucial structure regulating the flow of the Rockaway River-TR.


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Summary

Built in 1953, this private-owned earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, boasting a height of 12 feet and a length of 385 feet. Its storage capacity is marked at 54 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 10 acres and draining a small 0.24 square mile watershed.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam undergoes regular inspections every four years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement, guaranteeing its compliance with safety standards. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unspecified, hinting at a need for further evaluation and documentation.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Morski Oko Dam offers a fascinating case study of a privately-owned recreational dam in New Jersey. With its strategic location in Jefferson Township and its role in regulating the Rockaway River-TR, this earth dam provides a glimpse into the intersection of environmental conservation, water management, and recreational activities. Its maintenance and inspection protocols, overseen by the NJDEP, exemplify the importance of ensuring dam safety and compliance with state regulations in safeguarding surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

385

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Rockaway River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

0.24

Nid Storage

54

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.