Cold Spring Lake Dam

Peaquannock RIver· Passaic, New Jersey· Built 1890· Earth· 16 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Cold Spring Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 59.4% in NJ)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage128 acre-ft
Normal Storage72 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge4,123 cfs
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
NID IDNJ00226

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: July 1, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Star Lake Camp and Conference Center

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cold Spring Lake Dam?

Cold Spring 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 Cold Spring Lake Dam?

Cold Spring Lake Dam is owned by Star Lake Camp and Conference Center (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cold Spring Lake Dam built?

Cold Spring Lake Dam was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Cold Spring Lake Dam?

Cold Spring 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 Cold Spring Lake Dam?

Cold Spring Lake Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Cold Spring Lake Dam last inspected?

Cold Spring Lake Dam was last inspected on July 1, 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.