Skyline Lake #2 (Upper) Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Skyline Lake #2 (Upper) Dam, located in Wanaque, New Jersey, is a private earth dam completed in 1946 for recreational purposes on Shepard Brook.


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Summary

Standing at 24 feet high and spanning 230 feet in length, this dam has a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet, maintaining a normal storage level of 330 acre-feet over its 18-acre surface area. Despite its age, the dam is in satisfactory condition according to the last inspection in February 2020, with a high hazard potential due to its proximity to surrounding areas.

Managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, Skyline Lake #2 (Upper) Dam poses a significant risk in the event of a breach, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness and risk management measures. While no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or inundation maps have been reported, the dam's satisfactory condition assessment and regular inspection schedule every two years help ensure its integrity and safety for nearby residents and recreational users. With a maximum discharge of 1040 cubic feet per second, the dam's spillway capacity and overall structural stability play crucial roles in mitigating potential flood risks and ensuring public safety.

In a region represented by Congressional District 05 in New Jersey, Skyline Lake #2 (Upper) Dam serves as a vital recreational resource but also underscores the necessity for ongoing maintenance, risk assessment, and emergency planning. As climate change continues to influence precipitation patterns and water resource management, the dam's condition and hazard potential warrant close monitoring and proactive measures to safeguard against potential threats and ensure sustainable water management practices in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1946

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

Shepard Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

2.8

Nid Storage

400

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
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.