Canoe Brook Reservoir #1 Dam

Canoe Brook Reservoir #1 Dam is an earth dam located in Essex County, New Jersey, built in 1929. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Canoe Brook Reservoir #1 Dam

The primary purpose of Canoe Brook Reservoir #1 Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by New Jersey-american Water Company (private). It impounds the Canoe Brook near Short Hills.

The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 13,500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 204 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1929, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 02/29/2024.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New Jersey dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNew Jersey
CountyEssex
Nearest CityShort Hills
River/StreamCanoe Brook
Coordinates40.74542, -74.35035

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height25 ft
Dam Height25 ft
Dam Length13,500 ft
Year Completed1929 (97 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage3,000 acre-ft
Max Storage3,000 acre-ft
Normal Storage2,256 acre-ft
Surface Area204 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerNew Jersey-American Water Company
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection02/29/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNJ00525
Federal IDNJ00525
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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