Passaic River at Little Falls

Have you ever heard of a waterfall disappearing? The Passaic River at Little Falls was once renowned for its stunning waterfall. It tumbled downstream from the dam in front of the Beattie Carpet Mill. The mill itself was a cornerstone of Little Falls, employing many residents for years. Now the mill is gone, converted into condos that overlook the Passaic River. The falls, sadly, met a similar fate. They vanished long ago. Today, here at the Passaic River at Little Falls, we find not a roaring cascade, but a monitoring station. It tracks the river’s flow rate and water level, vital data for understanding this crucial waterway. The Passaic River winds its way from the hills of Mendham all the way to Newark Bay. It’s a journey of about 80 miles. Here at Little Falls, the river has already traveled a good portion of that distance, carrying with it stories of industry, nature, and even pollution. The river has a history of flooding, especially around the confluence with the Pompton River, just south of here. Flood stage at Little Falls is marked at 7 feet. The river gauge here has witnessed dramatic crests. One of the worst floods occurred on October 10, 1903, when the water reached a staggering 17.50 feet. Even in more recent times, significant floods have hit the area. For example, water levels reached 11.88 feet in April 2007 and almost the exact same height in March 2010. The flooding prompted Governor Chris Christie to establish the Passaic River Basin Flood Advisory Commission in 2010. Their mission was to find solutions to the recurring floods. Despite the challenges, the Passaic River remains a vital part of New Jersey’s landscape. Its story continues to unfold. It’s a story etched in the flow of its waters.