Newton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Newton Lake Dam, located in Camden, New Jersey, serves as a vital structure along the Newton Creek Main Branch, providing recreational opportunities for the local community since its completion in 1929.


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Summary

This earth and gravity dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches across 800 feet, with a storage capacity of 900 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 104 acres for activities like boating and fishing.

Managed by the state regulatory agency NJDEP, Newton Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam remains a crucial asset for flood control and water resource management in the region. The dam's emergency action plan was last reviewed in 2015, highlighting the importance of preparedness and risk assessment for potential incidents.

As a key component of the local watershed infrastructure, Newton Lake Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality and supporting wildlife habitats in the area. With the oversight of state authorities and ongoing monitoring efforts, the dam continues to contribute to the ecological balance of the region while offering recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Newton Creek Main Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

104

Drainage Area

4.8

Nid Storage

900

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.