Paulina Lake Dam

Paulinskill River· Warren, New Jersey· Built 1895· Concrete· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Paulina Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1895 and is 131 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 39.5% in NJ)
Dam Length240 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Normal Storage143 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area125 sq mi
Max Discharge4,465 cfs
Year Completed1895 (131 years old)
NID IDNJ00170

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: August 3, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Township of Blairstown

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Paulina Lake Dam?

Paulina 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 Paulina Lake Dam?

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

When was Paulina Lake Dam built?

Paulina Lake Dam was completed in 1895, making it 131 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 Paulina Lake Dam?

Paulina Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Paulina Lake Dam?

Paulina Lake Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Paulina Lake Dam last inspected?

Paulina Lake Dam was last inspected on August 3, 2022. 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.