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