Upper Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Upper Pond Dam, located in Middletown, New Jersey, serves as a vital recreational resource along the Nut Swamp Brook-TR.


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Summary

Managed by a private owner, this earth dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring its compliance with state guidelines for inspection and enforcement. Despite its poor condition assessment in 2017, the dam's significant hazard potential highlights the need for ongoing risk management measures and emergency preparedness.

The dam's primary purpose for recreation attracts water resource and climate enthusiasts to its Monmouth County location. With a history dating back to an unknown completion year, Upper Pond Dam's structural details, including height, volume, and storage capacity, remain unspecified. However, its inspection frequency of every two years and designation as a state-regulated structure underscore the importance of monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

As the dam's condition assessment reveals room for improvement, the significance of Upper Pond Dam in providing recreational opportunities to the community underscores the need for continued oversight and risk mitigation strategies. With its location along Nut Swamp Brook-TR and under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey DEP, efforts to address the dam's poor condition and enhance its safety measures will be crucial in maintaining its role as a valuable water resource in Monmouth County.

River Or Stream

Nut Swamp Brook-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hazard Potential

Significant
       
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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.