Silver Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Deer Trail Lake Dam Fawn Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Located in Hardyston Township, New Jersey, the Silver Lake Dam is a state-regulated earth dam situated on Franklin Pond Creek.
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Summary
With a height of 10.9 feet and a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet, this dam primarily serves for recreational purposes, offering a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as reported during the last inspection in June 2019.
The dam, managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), overlooks a surface area of 20 acres and has a drainage area of 0.7 square miles. Although the dam has not undergone any significant modifications since its completion, regular inspections are conducted every four years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, maintaining the Silver Lake Dam in good condition is crucial for its long-term resilience and effectiveness in water management.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Silver Lake Dam serves as a notable landmark in the conservation and management of water resources in Sussex County, New Jersey. With its picturesque location and recreational opportunities, the dam not only enhances the local landscape but also underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions. As efforts to address climate-related challenges intensify, the Silver Lake Dam stands as a reminder of the interconnectedness between water resources, climate change, and sustainable management practices.
Dam Length |
171 |
Dam Height |
10.9 |
River Or Stream |
Franklin Pond Creek-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
67 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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