Clove Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Clove Lake Dam, located in Montague Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, is a privately owned structure regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.


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Summary

This earth dam, primarily used for recreation, stands at a height of 11.4 feet and has a normal storage capacity of 284 acre-feet. The dam spans 400 feet across Shimers Brook, with a surface area of 72 acres and a drainage area of 5.2 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Clove Lake Dam has not undergone any significant modifications since its last inspection in October 2015. The dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, and its maximum discharge is recorded as zero. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps are currently unknown, indicating potential areas for improvement in emergency preparedness and risk management.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Clove Lake Dam to be an intriguing structure due to its unique design, recreational purpose, and location in a picturesque natural setting. Further research and monitoring of this dam could provide valuable insights into the management of water resources and the impact of climate change on infrastructure resilience in the region.

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

11.4

River Or Stream

Shimers Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

72

Drainage Area

5.2

Nid Storage

284

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.