Palatine Lake Dam

Muddy Run· Salem, New Jersey· Built 1940· Earth· 8 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Palatine Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 5.1% in NJ)
Dam Length1,300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage154 acre-ft
Surface Area100 acres
Drainage Area25 sq mi
Max Discharge1,719 cfs
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDNJ00134

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

Ownership

County of Salem

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Palatine Lake Dam?

Palatine 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 Palatine Lake Dam?

Palatine Lake Dam is owned by County of Salem (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Palatine Lake Dam built?

Palatine Lake Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Palatine Lake Dam?

Palatine 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 Palatine Lake Dam?

Palatine Lake Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Palatine Lake Dam last inspected?

Palatine Lake Dam was last inspected on April 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.