Shaws Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shaws Mill Pond Dam, located in Lawrence Township, Cumberland County, New Jersey, is a state-owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth dam, standing at 15 feet in height and spanning 470 feet in length, impounds Pages Run, providing a surface area of 28 acres and a drainage area of 3.5 square miles. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 87 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 144 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Shaws Mill Pond Dam is currently in satisfactory condition, as indicated by the last inspection conducted in October 2020. The dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. While no emergency action plan (EAP) has been reported, the dam's risk management measures and preparedness for potential hazards are areas that may require further attention. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Shaws Mill Pond Dam to be an intriguing site with a blend of recreational value and regulatory oversight, making it an important structure in the local water management system.

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Pages Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Drainage Area

3.5

Nid Storage

87

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.