Valle Estate At Chatham Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Valle Estate at Chatham Dam, located in Madison, New Jersey, is a private dam regulated by the NJDEP for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a dam height of 7 feet and a length of 100 feet, it holds a storage capacity of 15 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1 acre. The dam, classified as an Earth type, poses a significant hazard potential but has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in September 2021.

The dam, situated on the Black Brook-TR river, falls under the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia District and Congressional District 11 in New Jersey, represented by Mikie Sherrill. Despite not being owned or funded by federal agencies, Valle Estate at Chatham Dam undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. It is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor the dam's condition and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

As a recreational structure, Valle Estate at Chatham Dam serves as a leisure spot in Chatham Township, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoyment. While the dam has not undergone modifications in recent years, its risk assessment, emergency action plan, and inundation maps are areas that could benefit from further development to enhance safety measures and risk management. With its location in Morris County, New Jersey, this dam provides a glimpse into the intersection of water resource management, climate considerations, and recreational infrastructure in the region.

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

Black Brook-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

7
       
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.