Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam
Key Takeaway
Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1914 and is 112 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 | 15 ft (taller than 51.4% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 228 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Normal Storage | 400 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 51 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1914 (112 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00311 |
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
Lake Swannanoa Homeowners Association
Private
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High Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam?
Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) 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 Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam?
Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam is owned by Lake Swannanoa Homeowners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam built?
Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam was completed in 1914, making it 112 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 Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam?
Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) 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 Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam?
Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam last inspected?
Swannanoa Lake #1 (South) Dam was last inspected on July 27, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.