Kitchell Lake Dam

West Brook-TR· Passaic, New Jersey· Built 1952· Earth· 14 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Kitchell Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1952 and is 74 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 Length475 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage127 acre-ft
Normal Storage70 acre-ft
Surface Area22 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,408 cfs
Year Completed1952 (74 years old)
NID IDNJ00026

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: October 23, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Kitchell Lake Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kitchell Lake Dam?

Kitchell 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 Kitchell Lake Dam?

Kitchell Lake Dam is owned by Kitchell Lake Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Kitchell Lake Dam built?

Kitchell Lake Dam was completed in 1952, making it 74 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 Kitchell Lake Dam?

Kitchell 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 Kitchell Lake Dam?

Kitchell 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 Kitchell Lake Dam last inspected?

Kitchell Lake Dam was last inspected on October 23, 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.