Paulinskill Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Paulinskill Lake Dam, located in Sussex County, New Jersey, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1927 along the Paulins Kill River.


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Summary

With a height of 29 feet and a length of 450 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 170 acres and a storage capacity of 2120 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, with regular inspections showing a satisfactory condition as of December 2021.

Despite its age, Paulinskill Lake Dam continues to play a significant role in the local community, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other leisure activities. Its hazard potential is classified as significant, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and the integrity of the structure. The dam's association with the Paulinskill Lake also contributes to its value as a natural habitat and recreational resource for residents and visitors alike in Stillwater Township.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and proper management of dams like Paulinskill Lake Dam become increasingly crucial. With the support of state agencies and regulatory bodies, efforts to uphold safety standards and mitigate risks associated with aging structures will be essential in preserving the environmental and recreational benefits provided by this historic dam.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

Paulins Kill River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

170

Drainage Area

66

Nid Storage

2120

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

29
       
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.