Barnegat Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Barnegat Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 18 ft (taller than 66.3% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 850 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 600 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 400 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 74 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00058 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Township of Lacey
Local Government
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Low Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Barnegat Lake Dam?
Barnegat Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Barnegat Lake Dam?
Barnegat Lake Dam is owned by Township of Lacey (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Barnegat Lake Dam built?
Barnegat Lake Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Barnegat Lake Dam?
Barnegat Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Barnegat Lake Dam?
Barnegat Lake Dam has a dam height of 18 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Barnegat Lake Dam last inspected?
Barnegat Lake Dam was last inspected on September 9, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.