Camp Ryker Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Camp Ryker Lake Dam in Sussex, New Jersey, is a state-regulated earth dam located on the West Branch Rockaway River in Sparta Township.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 10 feet and a length of 220 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a storage capacity of 281 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 36 acres. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment as of August 2020, the dam is inspected every two years to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Owned by the state and falling under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Camp Ryker Lake Dam poses a potential risk to the surrounding area in the event of a breach or failure. As a popular recreational spot, the dam requires close monitoring and maintenance to prevent any potential disasters. With Mikie Sherrill representing Congressional District 11, efforts are continuously being made to assess and improve the dam's condition to meet safety standards and protect the local community and environment.

While the dam has not undergone any modifications since its completion, its emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures remain unclear. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to stay informed about the state of dams like Camp Ryker Lake Dam to advocate for proper maintenance, risk management, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water resources in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

West Branch Rockaway River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

36

Drainage Area

2.4

Nid Storage

281

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.