Sylvan Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Sylvan Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 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 | 18 ft (taller than 66.3% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 940 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 99 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00151 |
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
Township of Burlington
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Upper Sylvan Lake Dam
Burlington, NJ
Significant Hazard 20 ftSilver Lake
Bucks, PA
Low Hazard 8 ftWoolman Lake Dam
Burlington, NJ
Significant Hazard 5 ftManor Lake
Bucks, PA
Low Hazard 9 ftMill Dam
Burlington, NJ
Low Hazard 15 ftButtonwood Lake Dam
Burlington, NJ
Significant Hazard 8 ftHulmeville Park
Bucks, PA
Low Hazard 12 ftPhiladelphia Mills
Philadelphia, PA
High Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sylvan Lake Dam?
Sylvan Lake 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 Sylvan Lake Dam?
Sylvan Lake Dam is owned by Township of Burlington (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sylvan Lake Dam built?
Sylvan Lake Dam was completed in 1941, making it 85 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 Sylvan Lake Dam?
Sylvan 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 Sylvan Lake Dam?
Sylvan Lake Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Sylvan Lake Dam last inspected?
Sylvan Lake Dam was last inspected on May 11, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.