Kemah Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Kemah Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1928 and is 98 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 | 17 ft (taller than 63.3% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 240 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 608 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 102 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1928 (98 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00268 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Kemah Lake Property Owners Association
Private
Nearby Dams
Clearview Lake Dam
Sussex, NJ
Significant Hazard 10 ftLake Anne Dam
Sussex, NJ
Low Hazard 10 ftLake Owassa Dam
Sussex, NJ
Low Hazard 10 ftBalesville Dam
Sussex, NJ
Low Hazard 9 ftCulvers Lake Dam
Sussex, NJ
Low Hazard 8 ftThomas Rich Dam
Sussex, NJ
Low Hazard 13 ftCrandon Lake Dam
Sussex, NJ
High Hazard 20 ftLower Crandon Lake Dam
Sussex, NJ
Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Kemah Lake Dam?
Kemah Lake 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 Kemah Lake Dam?
Kemah Lake Dam is owned by Kemah Lake Property Owners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Kemah Lake Dam built?
Kemah Lake Dam was completed in 1928, making it 98 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 Kemah Lake Dam?
Kemah 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 Kemah Lake Dam?
Kemah Lake Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Kemah Lake Dam last inspected?
Kemah Lake Dam was last inspected on March 25, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.