Lake Kathryn Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lake Kathryn Dam, located in Middleville, New Jersey, is a privately-owned earth dam that was completed in 1926 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 12 feet and stretches 250 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet. Situated on Trout Brook, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Lake Kathryn Dam has been regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam remains a vital asset for the community of Stillwater Township. Despite not having a spillway or outlet gates, the dam's last inspection in 2015 indicated that it meets guidelines and poses minimal risk to nearby residents.

Lake Kathryn Dam, nestled in Sussex County, New Jersey, is a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience. As climate change continues to impact the region, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for flood control and water supply. With a focus on safety and environmental stewardship, Lake Kathryn Dam exemplifies how private owners and state agencies can work together to ensure the sustainable management of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Trout Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

84

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.