Chester Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Chester Pond Dam, located in Chester Township, Morris County, New Jersey, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the Peapack Brook-TR.


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Summary

Built in 1993, this private earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and stretches 270 feet in length, holding a storage capacity of 28 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, Chester Pond Dam is regulated and inspected by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to ensure its satisfactory condition and compliance with state regulations.

The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, aligning with its design and construction as an earth gravity dam. With a normal storage capacity of 18 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1088 cubic feet per second, Chester Pond Dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the surrounding area. Its location within a highly regulated state jurisdiction underscores the importance of maintaining its structural integrity and ongoing inspections to safeguard against potential hazards.

In summary, Chester Pond Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in New Jersey. With its strategic placement along the Peapack Brook-TR and its role in flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a key component in the state's infrastructure for protecting communities and managing water resources. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme events, structures like Chester Pond Dam play a crucial role in safeguarding against flooding and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in the region.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

Peapack Brook-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.45

Nid Storage

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.