Johnson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Johnson Lake Dam in Sussex, New Jersey, is a local government-owned structure regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.


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Summary

This earth and gravity dam, with a height of 11.3 feet and a length of 42 feet, serves primarily for recreational purposes along the Lubbers Run-TR river or stream. The dam has a storage capacity of 198 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 33 acres and a drainage area of 0.6 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Johnson Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections with a satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2018. The dam, located in Byram Township, falls under Congressional District 11 represented by Mikie Sherrill (D). While no specific year of completion is provided, the dam continues to be an important part of the local landscape, offering recreational opportunities and contributing to the overall water resource management in the area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Johnson Lake Dam to be a notable structure in the region, showcasing the importance of earth dams for both recreational and water management purposes. With its regulated status and regular inspections, the dam stands as a testament to the careful monitoring and maintenance required for such infrastructure. As climate change impacts water resources, understanding the role of dams like Johnson Lake in mitigating risks and providing essential services becomes increasingly crucial for sustainable water management practices.

Dam Length

42

Dam Height

11.3

River Or Stream

Lubbers Run-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

198

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.