Mt. Kemble Lake Dam

Primrose Brook-TR· Morris, New Jersey· Built 1928· Earth· 36 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Mt. Kemble Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1928 and is 98 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 94.2% in NJ)
Dam Length285 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage118 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge500 cfs
Year Completed1928 (98 years old)
NID IDNJ00363

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 22, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

The Lakeshore Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mt. Kemble Lake Dam?

Mt. Kemble 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 Mt. Kemble Lake Dam?

Mt. Kemble Lake Dam is owned by The Lakeshore Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mt. Kemble Lake Dam built?

Mt. Kemble 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 Mt. Kemble Lake Dam?

Mt. Kemble 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 Mt. Kemble Lake Dam?

Mt. Kemble Lake Dam has a dam height of 36 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 Mt. Kemble Lake Dam last inspected?

Mt. Kemble Lake Dam was last inspected on October 22, 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.