Memorial Park Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Memorial Park Pond Dam, located in Somerset, New Jersey, serves as a vital recreational resource for the community.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 8 feet and stretching 160 feet in length, creates a serene pond that covers a surface area of 2 acres. The dam plays a crucial role in providing a storage capacity of 6 acre-feet for the Cedar Branch river, enhancing the natural beauty of the area and offering residents a peaceful retreat for leisure activities.

Despite its importance for recreation, Memorial Park Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition, as assessed in November 2021. The dam is under state regulation by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, with required inspections conducted biennially to ensure public safety. Although the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, its emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures remain unspecified, raising concerns about the management of potential hazards and the need for preventive measures to safeguard the surrounding community.

As climate and water resource enthusiasts appreciate the ecological significance of Memorial Park Pond Dam, they may advocate for proactive risk management strategies and regular maintenance to preserve its recreational value while ensuring the safety of residents. By raising awareness about the dam's condition and hazard potential, stakeholders can work together to develop emergency response plans, conduct thorough risk assessments, and implement necessary improvements to enhance the resilience of this iconic water structure in Bernardsville Borough.

Dam Length

160

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Cedar Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

6

Hazard Potential

High

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.