Barnegat Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Barnegat Lake Dam in Forked River, New Jersey, is a significant earth dam completed in 1937 primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

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
       
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.