Shadow Lake Dam

Hohokus Creek· Bergen, New Jersey· Built 1928· Earth· 16 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Shadow 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 16 ft (taller than 59.4% in NJ)
Dam Length565 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage72 acre-ft
Normal Storage55 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge1,600 cfs
Year Completed1928 (98 years old)
NID IDNJ00232

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: December 7, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Shadow Lake, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Shadow Lake Dam?

Shadow 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 Shadow Lake Dam?

Shadow Lake Dam is owned by Shadow Lake, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Shadow Lake Dam built?

Shadow 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 Shadow Lake Dam?

Shadow 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 Shadow Lake Dam?

Shadow Lake 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 Shadow Lake Dam last inspected?

Shadow Lake Dam was last inspected on December 7, 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.