Lake Hudsonia Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Lake Hudsonia Dam in Morris County, New Jersey, stands as a significant earth dam primarily designed for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a dam height of 10 feet and a length of 440 feet, it impounds Hibernia Creek, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and a surface area of 11 acres. Despite its recreational focus, the dam also serves as a critical water resource for the region, with a drainage area of 1.6 square miles and the ability to discharge up to 76 cubic feet per second.

However, concerns arise regarding the dam's condition assessment, which has been rated as poor, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in November 2020 highlighted the urgent need for maintenance and safety improvements. The dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and it undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures remain unclear, raising questions about the preparedness for potential incidents.

With its location in Rockaway Township and proximity to Congressional District 11 in New Jersey, Lake Hudsonia Dam represents a valuable yet vulnerable asset. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to advocate for proper maintenance, monitoring, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital infrastructure. The collaboration between local government agencies, regulatory bodies, and the community is essential to safeguarding Lake Hudsonia Dam and its surrounding environment for current and future generations.

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Hibernia Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

56

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
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.