Canes Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Canes Dam, located in Delaware Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, is a private recreational earth dam on the White Oak Branch river.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 10 feet and a length of 320 feet, the dam provides a surface area of 7 acres and a drainage area of 0.52 square miles. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, the dam's condition assessment has not been rated, and it undergoes inspections every 4 years to ensure its safety.

Managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Canes Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), it remains an integral part of the local water resource infrastructure. The dam is situated within Congressional District 07, represented by Tom Malinowski, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Canes Dam to be a noteworthy structure due to its recreational significance and role in water management in the region. Its location, design, and ownership status provide insight into the intersection of human activity and environmental stewardship. As efforts continue to monitor and maintain the dam's safety, it serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

White Oak Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.52

Nid Storage

90

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.