Peddie Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Peddie Lake Dam, located in Princeton, New Jersey, was completed in 1923 and serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam is constructed of concrete and stands at a height of 14.8 feet, with a storage capacity of 154 acre-feet. Situated on the Rocky Brook, the dam offers a picturesque 18-acre surface area for various water-based activities.

Despite its age, Peddie Lake Dam is regularly inspected by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, with the last assessment conducted in March 2020. The dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, but its overall condition is assessed as fair. As a state-regulated structure, the dam undergoes routine inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for the surrounding area.

Congressional District 12, represented by Bonnie Watson Coleman, oversees the regulatory aspects of Peddie Lake Dam. With a solid emergency action plan in place and a history of compliance with state regulations, the dam remains a well-maintained and essential asset for both recreational enjoyment and water resource management in Mercer County, New Jersey.

Year Completed

1923

Dam Length

72

Dam Height

14.8

River Or Stream

Rocky Brook

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

14.2

Nid Storage

154

Hazard Potential

High

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.