Lake Erskine Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Erskine Dam, located in Ringwood Borough, New Jersey, stands as a significant earth dam completed in 1930 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam boasts a height of 10 feet and a length of 200 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 1047 acre-feet. Despite its impressive size, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential hazard mitigation. The dam's last inspection in April 2020 revealed its significant hazard potential, prompting a thorough examination of its structural integrity and emergency action plan readiness.

The dam's ownership lies in private hands, under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for regulatory oversight. With a drainage area of 0.8 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 126 cubic feet per second, Lake Erskine Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Passaic County region. As a popular recreational spot, the dam's surface area of 80 acres provides a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy various outdoor activities. However, ongoing monitoring and upkeep are essential to ensure the dam's continued safety and functionality for both recreational and water resource management purposes.

As climate change impacts continue to affect water resources and infrastructure resilience, Lake Erskine Dam serves as a focal point for environmental and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable water management practices. The dam's poor condition assessment and significant hazard potential underscore the importance of proactive maintenance and risk mitigation strategies to safeguard the surrounding community and ecosystem. Collaboration between private owners, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of Lake Erskine Dam as a vital water resource and recreational asset in New Jersey's landscape.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Wanaque River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

80

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

1047

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.