Clove River Dam

Clove Brook· Sussex, New Jersey· Built 1932· Earth· 28 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Clove River Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1932 and is 94 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 28 ft (taller than 88.4% in NJ)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage633 acre-ft
Normal Storage300 acre-ft
Surface Area32 acres
Drainage Area22 sq mi
Max Discharge7,628 cfs
Year Completed1932 (94 years old)
NID IDNJ00035

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 24, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Borough of Sussex

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Clove River Dam?

Clove River 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 Clove River Dam?

Clove River Dam is owned by Borough of Sussex (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Clove River Dam built?

Clove River Dam was completed in 1932, making it 94 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 Clove River Dam?

Clove River 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 Clove River Dam?

Clove River Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Clove River Dam last inspected?

Clove River Dam was last inspected on March 24, 2021. 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.