Imlaystown Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

The Imlaystown Lake Dam, located in Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey, was completed in 1925 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and creating a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam is classified as an earth dam with a height of 20 feet and a length of 350 feet. It has a storage capacity of 36 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 18 acres. The dam is situated on Doctors Creek and falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Despite being rated in fair condition during its last inspection in May 2020, the dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its age and the surrounding environmental factors. With a significant drainage area of 8.8 square miles and a maximum discharge of 208 cubic feet per second, the dam's structural integrity and maintenance are crucial for preventing potential risks to downstream communities. Emergency action plans are essential for ensuring the safety of residents in the event of a dam failure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Imlaystown Lake Dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of infrastructure management and environmental stewardship. As a key component of the local water management system, the dam's preservation and upkeep are essential for maintaining the delicate balance between human needs and natural ecosystems. Continued monitoring and proactive maintenance efforts will be crucial in safeguarding the dam's integrity and ensuring its long-term functionality in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

Doctors Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

8.8

Nid Storage

36

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
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.