Kitchell Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Kitchell Lake Dam in Ringwood, New Jersey, is a privately owned earth and gravity dam completed in 1952 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 14.3 feet and with a length of 475 feet, the dam creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 127 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 22 acres for recreational activities. The dam is located in West Milford Township and is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The dam's significant hazard potential is closely monitored, with inspections conducted every two years to ensure its satisfactory condition. The last inspection in October 2021 affirmed its structural integrity. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its emergency action plan was last revised in 2012, and there are no inundation maps prepared for the area. Despite these factors, Kitchell Lake Dam remains a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.

With its serene surroundings and recreational opportunities, Kitchell Lake Dam serves as a vital resource for the local community and visitors alike. As a privately owned structure, the dam plays a crucial role in providing a safe and enjoyable environment for activities such as fishing, boating, and nature appreciation. Its historical significance, coupled with its regulated status and regular inspections, underscores the importance of preserving and maintaining this essential water management asset in Passaic County, New Jersey.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

475

Dam Height

14.3

River Or Stream

West Brook-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Drainage Area

0.86

Nid Storage

127

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.