Clearwater Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Clearwater Detention Dam, located in New Providence, New Jersey, serves as a critical flood risk reduction infrastructure along Salt Brook.


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Summary

Completed in 1994, this earth dam stands at 22 feet tall and stretches 1,275 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and is regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Clearwater Detention Dam poses a high hazard potential, given its purpose of flood risk reduction in the area. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 7,700 cubic feet per second, highlighting its significance in managing potential flood events and protecting the surrounding community. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in 2008, indicating the need for regular updates to ensure preparedness for emergencies.

Clearwater Detention Dam stands as a vital piece of infrastructure in Union County, New Jersey, playing a crucial role in managing flood risks along Salt Brook. With its strategic location and design features, including a spillway and outlet gates, the dam is a key component in the region's water resource and climate resilience efforts. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the maintenance and monitoring of Clearwater Detention Dam will be essential in safeguarding the community from potential flooding events.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

1275

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

Salt Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Drainage Area

1.27

Nid Storage

84

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
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.