Barnegat Lake Dam in Forked River, New Jersey, is a significant earth dam completed in 1937 primarily for recreation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at 18 feet tall and spans 850 feet, holding a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 74 acres. Situated on the North Branch Forked River, the dam is owned and regulated by the local government, with oversight from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, the dam poses a high hazard potential due to its location and the volume of water it holds.
The dam has a history of inspections, with the most recent one conducted in June 2020, featuring a regular inspection frequency of every two years. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is either in place or being updated, ensuring preparedness for potential risks associated with the dam. With a maximum discharge capacity of 900 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting downstream areas from flooding. It is also a key site for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in understanding the impact of dams on local ecosystems and communities in New Jersey.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
North Branch Forked River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
74 |
Drainage Area |
15 |
Nid Storage |
600 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
18 |