Cantys Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Cantys Lake Dam, located in Kinnelon Borough, New Jersey, is a picturesque Earth dam completed in 1928 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Situated on the Pequannock River-TR, this dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 520 feet, with a storage capacity of 134 acre-feet. The dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, with a significant hazard potential, requiring inspections every two years to ensure its safety and integrity.

Owned and regulated by the local government, Cantys Lake Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a normal storage capacity of 128 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.05 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Morris County, New Jersey. Despite its age, Cantys Lake Dam continues to provide a valuable recreational outlet for the community while being diligently maintained to meet regulatory standards and ensure public safety.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the intricate details of Cantys Lake Dam, its historical significance, design characteristics, and operational features come to light. With Mikie Sherrill representing Congressional District 11, where the dam is located, efforts to preserve and enhance this vital infrastructure underscore the importance of balancing recreational needs with environmental stewardship. Cantys Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of water management practices that have shaped the landscape of New Jersey, offering a glimpse into the intersection of nature, engineering, and public safety in the region.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

Pequannock River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

0.05

Nid Storage

134

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.