Princeton Walk Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Princeton Walk Dam, located in Kingston, New Jersey, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction and recreation purposes along Carters Brook.


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Summary

Completed in 1988, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans a length of 400 feet, with a normal storage capacity of 15 acre-feet. The dam's significant hazard potential is mitigated by its satisfactory condition assessment, last conducted in August 2021.

Owned and regulated by the local government with oversight from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Princeton Walk Dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1,875 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in managing water flow in the region. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam remains prepared for emergencies with an updated Emergency Action Plan to guide response efforts in case of a crisis.

Congressional District 12, represented by Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, encompasses the area where Princeton Walk Dam is situated, highlighting the importance of this infrastructure in water resource management within Middlesex County, New Jersey. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, dams like Princeton Walk Dam play a critical role in safeguarding communities and natural resources against potential flooding and related risks.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Carters Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

1.1

Nid Storage

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
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.