Upper Highland Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Upper Highland Lake Dam, located in Vernon, New Jersey, is a privately owned dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Constructed in 1940, this earth dam stands at a height of 17.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the Highland Lakes-TR river and covers a surface area of 12 acres within its drainage area of 0.12 square miles.

With a maximum discharge capacity of 416 cubic feet per second, Upper Highland Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential but is currently deemed to be in satisfactory condition following its last inspection in November 2020. The dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its age, Upper Highland Lake Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for the local community while also serving as a vital water resource in the area.

As a key feature in the local landscape, Upper Highland Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and providing flood protection for the surrounding area. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management and the need for continued monitoring and upkeep to ensure the safety and longevity of such vital infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

311

Dam Height

17.6

River Or Stream

Highland Lakes-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

88

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

18
       
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.