Parker Avenue Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Situated in Forked River, New Jersey, the Parker Avenue Dam is a key structure on the North Branch of Forked River, serving as a recreational hub for locals and visitors alike.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 10.3 feet and spans 1100 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet. The dam, owned by the local government, is regulated and inspected by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring its safety and compliance with state standards.

With a hazard potential classified as high, the Parker Avenue Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition as of June 2020. Its emergency action plan was last revised in April 2018, and regular inspections occur every two years to monitor its structural integrity and readiness for any potential risks. The dam's primary purpose of recreation is reflected in its surface area of 24 acres and maximum discharge capacity of 1120 cubic feet per second, providing opportunities for water sports and leisure activities for the community.

Despite its age, the Parker Avenue Dam continues to play a vital role in the local ecosystem and community, offering both recreational benefits and essential flood control measures for the area. As a significant landmark in Ocean County, New Jersey, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and the importance of maintaining infrastructure to meet the needs of both people and the environment in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

10.3

River Or Stream

North Branch of Forked River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Drainage Area

15

Nid Storage

125

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

10
       
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.