Elmer Lake Dam

Muddy Run· Salem, New Jersey· Earth· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Elmer Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 31.2% in NJ)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage121 acre-ft
Surface Area36 acres
Drainage Area12 sq mi
Max Discharge300 cfs
NID IDNJ00618

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: August 19, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

County of Salem

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Palatine Lake Dam

Salem, NJ

Significant Hazard 8 ft

Lake Garrison Dam

Gloucester, NJ

Significant Hazard 7 ft

Centerton Lake Dam

Salem, NJ

Significant Hazard 12 ft

New Jersey No Name # 131 Dam

Salem, NJ

Significant Hazard 9 ft

Sadies Dam

Salem, NJ

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Iona Lake Dam

Gloucester, NJ

Significant Hazard 11 ft

Silver Lake Dam

Gloucester, NJ

Significant Hazard 6 ft

Parvin Lake Dam

Salem, NJ

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Elmer Lake Dam?

Elmer 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 Elmer Lake Dam?

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

What is the primary purpose of Elmer Lake Dam?

Elmer 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 Elmer Lake Dam?

Elmer Lake Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Elmer Lake Dam last inspected?

Elmer Lake Dam was last inspected on August 19, 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.