Manor Lake Dam dam
Manor Lake Dam
Manor Lake Dam, located in Morris County, New Jersey, is a local government-owned structure that serves to regulate the flow of the Whippany River. This earth dam stands at a height of 5 feet and spans 125 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 9 acre-feet. The dam is under the regulatory authority of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition.
Despite its relatively modest size, Manor Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its location and the potential impact of a dam failure on downstream areas. However, as of the last inspection in 2020, the dam was deemed to be in satisfactory condition. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in 2015, indicating a commitment to preparedness and risk management. The dam does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Manor Lake Dam to be a fascinating subject for study, given its role in managing water flow in the Whippany River watershed. Understanding the design, operation, and regulatory oversight of dams like Manor Lake can provide valuable insights into the broader challenges of water resource management and climate resilience. As efforts continue to address aging infrastructure and enhance dam safety nationwide, Manor Lake Dam serves as a microcosm of the complex interplay between human-made structures, natural water systems, and the need for sustainable practices in a changing climate.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Manor Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rockaway River Above Reservoir At Boonton Nj | 472 cfs | → |
| Rockaway River Below Reservoir At Boonton Nj | 10 cfs | → |
| Whippany River Near Pine Brook Nj | 34 cfs | → |
| Whippany River At Morristown Nj | 24 cfs | → |
| Passaic River At Pine Brook Nj | 131 cfs | → |
| Whippany River Near Morristown Nj | 8 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Manor Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Island Avenue Little Falls
- North Corporate Drive 2, Riverdale
- Lakeside Avenue Pompton Lakes
- Dell Avenue 9, Netcong
- Jefferson Lake Road Sussex County
- Veterans Court Passaic
Track Manor Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Manor Lake Dam
Where does the data for Manor Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Manor Lake Dam.