Cooks Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Cooks Pond Dam, located in Boonton, New Jersey, serves as a vital recreational resource in the area.


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Summary

Built in 1945, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and spans a length of 440 feet. The dam offers a maximum storage capacity of 77 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 59 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 18 acres within its drainage area of 0.14 square miles.

Despite its importance for recreation, Cooks Pond Dam has been flagged with a significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in March 2019. This indicates a pressing need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure the dam's structural integrity and safety. With the Rockaway River-TR flowing nearby, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential flood risks in the region.

As a focal point for water resource management and climate resilience efforts, Cooks Pond Dam falls under state jurisdiction and regulation by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Its location in Morris County, New Jersey, adds to its significance within Congressional District 11, represented by Mikie Sherrill. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate change, it is essential to monitor the condition and maintenance of dams like Cooks Pond to uphold their functionality and safeguard surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Rockaway River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

0.14

Nid Storage

77

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

8
       
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.