Pohatcong Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Pohatcong Lake Dam, located in Tuckerton Borough, New Jersey, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1931 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 9 feet with a length of 670 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 87 acre-feet. Situated on Tuckerton Creek, the dam overlooks a surface area of 37 acres within a drainage area of 12.3 square miles.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2021, Pohatcong Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam is subject to state jurisdiction and regulation by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), with permitting, inspection, and enforcement responsibilities falling under state authority. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures are not currently specified, highlighting areas for potential improvement in emergency preparedness and risk management.

Overall, Pohatcong Lake Dam serves as a vital structure for recreational purposes while also carrying a significant risk due to its high hazard potential. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor the dam's condition, regulatory compliance, and emergency preparedness efforts to ensure the safety and resilience of this essential infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions and potential hazards.

Year Completed

1931

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Tuckerton Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

37

Drainage Area

12.3

Nid Storage

87

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

9
       
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.