Lake Valentine Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Lake Valentine Dam, located in Andover Township, Sussex, New Jersey, is a private dam regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.


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Summary

The dam, situated on the Pequest River-TR, serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a serene and picturesque setting for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With a height of 12 feet and a length of 235 feet, the dam creates a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 55 acre-feet, covering an area of 11 acres.

Despite its recreational appeal, Lake Valentine Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam's last inspection in October 2021 revealed the need for maintenance and repairs to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While the dam has not undergone modifications in recent years, its emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in June 2014, raising concerns about its current adequacy in meeting safety guidelines and emergency response protocols.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to enjoy the beauty of Lake Valentine Dam, ongoing risk assessments and management measures are crucial to address its safety deficiencies and mitigate potential hazards. By prioritizing regular inspections, maintenance, and updates to its emergency preparedness plans, stakeholders can ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of this beloved recreational water resource in New Jersey.

Dam Length

235

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Pequest River-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

0.55

Nid Storage

55

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

12
       
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.