Crystal Spring Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Crystal Spring Lake Dam, located in Ramsey Borough, New Jersey, is a vital structure for irrigation purposes on Ramsey Brook.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 550 feet, providing a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 1.7 square miles, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 450 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the local government, Crystal Spring Lake Dam is state-regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in August 2021. With a mandated inspection frequency of every two years, the dam continues to meet safety standards and is equipped with emergency action plans to mitigate any potential risks.

Congressional District 05, represented by Josh S. Gottheimer, oversees the regulatory aspects of Crystal Spring Lake Dam. The dam's location in Bergen County, New Jersey, highlights its significance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. As an essential infrastructure for irrigation, this dam plays a crucial role in sustaining the local ecosystem and supporting agricultural activities in the region.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Ramsey Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

65

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

12
       
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.