Birchwood Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Birchwood Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 9 ft (taller than 12.9% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 250 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 95 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 24 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 24 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,108 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00417 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Birchwood Lake Colony Club
Private
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What is the hazard classification of Birchwood Lake Dam?
Birchwood Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Birchwood Lake Dam?
Birchwood Lake Dam is owned by Birchwood Lake Colony Club (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Birchwood Lake Dam built?
Birchwood Lake Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Birchwood Lake Dam?
Birchwood 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 Birchwood Lake Dam?
Birchwood Lake Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Birchwood Lake Dam last inspected?
Birchwood Lake Dam was last inspected on May 8, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.