Lake Topanemus Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Topanemus Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 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 | 20 ft (taller than 72.4% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 327 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 66 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 22 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1915 (111 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00219 |
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
Monmouth County Engineering
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Lake Topanemus Dam?
Lake Topanemus 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 Topanemus Dam?
Lake Topanemus Dam is owned by Monmouth County Engineering (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Topanemus Dam built?
Lake Topanemus Dam was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Topanemus Dam?
Lake Topanemus 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 Topanemus Dam?
Lake Topanemus Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Topanemus Dam last inspected?
Lake Topanemus Dam was last inspected on December 3, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.