Paulina Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Paulina Lake Dam, located in Blairstown, New Jersey, was completed in 1895 and serves as a critical water supply source for the area.


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Summary

This concrete dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans 240 feet, with a storage capacity of 143 acre-feet. Situated on the Paulinskill River, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources and providing essential services to the surrounding community.

Despite its historical significance, Paulina Lake Dam is currently rated as having a poor condition assessment, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in March 2019 raised concerns about its structural integrity, highlighting the urgent need for maintenance and potential rehabilitation efforts. With a high risk profile, it is crucial for local government authorities to prioritize the safety and maintenance of this essential infrastructure to prevent any potential disasters or disruptions to the water supply.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of proactive management and maintenance of dams like Paulina Lake Dam cannot be overstated. With a detailed understanding of its condition and potential risks, stakeholders must work together to ensure the long-term resilience and functionality of this critical water supply infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1895

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Paulinskill River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

25

Drainage Area

125

Nid Storage

143

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

13
       
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.