Lake Lefferts Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Lefferts 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 | 16 ft (taller than 59.4% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 430 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 796 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 650 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 65 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 260 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1928 (98 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00089 |
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
Borough of Matawan
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Matawan Lake Dam
Monmouth, NJ
High Hazard 20 ftTennents Brook Dam
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Low Hazard 9 ftMarlu Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 29 ftDeep Run Dam
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Low Hazard 10 ftUpper Pond Dam
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Significant HazardRiverton Basin Dam
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Low Hazard 11 ftBucks Mill Dam
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Significant Hazard 13 ftDuhernal Dam
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Significant Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Lefferts Dam?
Lake Lefferts 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 Lake Lefferts Dam?
Lake Lefferts Dam is owned by Borough of Matawan (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Lefferts Dam built?
Lake Lefferts 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 Lake Lefferts Dam?
Lake Lefferts 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 Lake Lefferts Dam?
Lake Lefferts 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 Lake Lefferts Dam last inspected?
Lake Lefferts Dam was last inspected on December 9, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.