Scotch Road Detention Dam 1.2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Scotch Road Detention Dam 1.2, located in Mercer County, New Jersey, is a vital component in the flood risk reduction infrastructure designed to protect the surrounding area from potential water-related disasters.
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Summary
This earth-type dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans a length of 50 feet, providing a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet to manage excess water flows from Jacobs Creek. With a drainage area of 0.29 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local community from potential flooding events.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Scotch Road Detention Dam 1.2 has a significant hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in its condition. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure its structural integrity and functionality, with the last assessment performed in April 2019. Despite its modest surface area of 1 acre and normal storage capacity of 10 acre-feet, the dam serves as a crucial line of defense against excessive water levels and contributes to the overall flood risk reduction efforts in the region.
The dam's location in Hopewell Township, along with its association with Jacobs Creek, underscores its importance in water resource management and climate resilience strategies. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and water flow dynamics, structures like Scotch Road Detention Dam 1.2 become indispensable in mitigating the risks of flooding and protecting vulnerable communities. With a designated emergency action plan and a history of satisfactory condition assessments, this dam stands as a testament to proactive disaster preparedness and water resource stewardship in the face of a changing climate.
Dam Length |
50 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
Jacobs Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Drainage Area |
0.29 |
Nid Storage |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Scotch Road Detention Dam 1.2
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