Blackwood Lake Dam

South Branch Big Timber Creek· Camden, New Jersey· Built 1922· Earth· 14 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Blackwood Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 46.2% in NJ)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage236 acre-ft
Normal Storage23 acre-ft
Surface Area16 acres
Drainage Area19 sq mi
Max Discharge1,927 cfs
Year Completed1922 (104 years old)
NID IDNJ00800

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 2, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Township of Gloucester

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Blackwood Lake Dam?

Blackwood 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 Blackwood Lake Dam?

Blackwood Lake Dam is owned by Township of Gloucester (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Blackwood Lake Dam built?

Blackwood Lake Dam was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Blackwood Lake Dam?

Blackwood 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 Blackwood Lake Dam?

Blackwood Lake Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Blackwood Lake Dam last inspected?

Blackwood Lake Dam was last inspected on April 2, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.