Lake Louise Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Lake Louise Dam, located in Howell Township, Monmouth, New Jersey, is a local government-owned structure regulating a branch of Haystack Brook.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, the earth-type dam stands at 14 feet high and spans 230 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Despite its significance for recreational activities, the dam's condition assessment reveals a poor rating and a high hazard potential, warranting regular inspections to ensure public safety.

Managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the dam is state-regulated and subject to permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols. The last inspection in March 2021 highlighted the urgent need for maintenance due to its deteriorating condition. With a history of poor maintenance and risk management, the dam poses a potential threat in case of emergencies, emphasizing the importance of implementing necessary measures to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Lake Louise Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for recreational activities in the area, while also highlighting the challenges of maintaining aging dams to prevent potential hazards. With its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam underscores the importance of proactive risk management and regular maintenance to safeguard the surrounding environment and residents. As stakeholders in water resource management, it is imperative to prioritize the safety and integrity of dams like Lake Louise to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable water management practices for future generations.

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

Branch of Haystack Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

65

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

14
       
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.