Clinton Mills Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Clinton Mills Dam, located in Clinton, New Jersey, is a private earth dam constructed in 1951 along the South Branch of Raritan River.


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Summary

With a height of 13.8 feet and a length of 218 feet, the dam primarily serves recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 10 acres for water-based activities. Managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

The dam's significant hazard potential is mitigated by its satisfactory condition assessment, last updated in April 2021. Despite the absence of spillways or outlet gates, Clinton Mills Dam has a normal storage capacity of 21 acre-feet and a drainage area of 111 square miles. The dam's location in Hunterdon County, within Congressional District 07 of New Jersey, adds to its importance as a water resource management infrastructure for the local community. Additionally, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in December 2010, highlighting the emphasis on preparedness and risk management in case of unforeseen events.

With Congressman Tom Malinowski representing the area, Clinton Mills Dam stands as a vital component of the water management system in the region, providing both recreational opportunities and flood control measures. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and regular inspection of dams like Clinton Mills are crucial to ensure the safety of communities downstream and the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem. The dam's role in managing water flow and mitigating potential risks underscores its significance in maintaining a balance between human activities and environmental conservation in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

218

Dam Height

13.8

River Or Stream

South Branch of Raritan River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

111

Nid Storage

21

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.