West Milford Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
West Milford Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1929 and is 97 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 | 16 ft (taller than 59.4% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 665 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 102 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 102 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 350 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1929 (97 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00189 |
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
Marshall Hill, LLC
Private
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Significant Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of West Milford Lake Dam?
West Milford 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 West Milford Lake Dam?
West Milford Lake Dam is owned by Marshall Hill, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was West Milford Lake Dam built?
West Milford Lake Dam was completed in 1929, making it 97 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 West Milford Lake Dam?
West Milford 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 West Milford Lake Dam?
West Milford 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 West Milford Lake Dam last inspected?
West Milford Lake Dam was last inspected on January 15, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.