Kemah Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Clearview Lake Dam Lake Anne Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Kemah Lake Dam, located in Hampton Township, New Jersey, was completed in 1928 and serves as a vital structure for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, primarily owned and regulated by private entities, stands at a height of 16.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 608 acre-feet. With a surface area of 102 acres and a drainage area of 1.3 square miles, the dam poses a high hazard potential but was assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in March 2020.
Situated along the Paulinskill River-TR, Kemah Lake Dam is under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to its picturesque surroundings. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam meets safety guidelines and has an emergency action plan in place, ensuring the protection of nearby communities in the event of a crisis.
With its earth and gravity dam structure, Kemah Lake Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and continues to provide essential water management services for the region. As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Kemah Lake become increasingly significant in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water supply and recreational areas.
Year Completed |
1928 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
16.6 |
River Or Stream |
Paulkinskill River-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
102 |
Drainage Area |
1.3 |
Nid Storage |
608 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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Kemah Lake Dam