Lake Tamarack Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Lake Tamarack Dam, located in Sussex, New Jersey, was completed in 1940 and serves as a vital recreation resource for the area.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 300 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 198 acre-feet. With a surface area of 34 acres and a drainage area of 0.8 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water storage and recreational opportunities for the community.

Managed by a private owner, Lake Tamarack Dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a high hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the most recent inspection conducted in December 2021. Despite its age, the dam continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and remains an important asset for water resource management in the region.

The dam's location in Hardyston Township, along the Franklin Pond Creek-TR, offers both scenic beauty and functional benefits for the surrounding area. As a key element in the local water infrastructure, Lake Tamarack Dam exemplifies the importance of maintaining and regulating water resources to meet both recreational and safety needs. With its rich history and ongoing commitment to safety and maintenance, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and community enjoyment.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Franklin Pond Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

198

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

10
       
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.