Vernon Valley Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Vernon Valley Lake Dam, located in Sussex, New Jersey, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam, standing at a height of 9 feet and stretching 40 feet in length, provides a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres. It is situated along the Pochuck Creek-TR and falls under the regulatory oversight of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2020, the dam poses a significant hazard potential, warranting regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam lacks specific spillway information, but its critical role in managing water levels and protecting downstream areas underscores the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance. As a notable feature in the scenic Vernon Township, the Vernon Valley Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the intersection between human recreation and environmental stewardship in water resource management.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the intricacies of Vernon Valley Lake Dam's design, purpose, and regulatory framework intriguing. With its unique location and role in the local ecosystem, this dam serves as a focal point for understanding the balance between water-based recreation, safety considerations, and environmental preservation. As efforts to address climate change and water resource management evolve, the conservation and proper maintenance of structures like Vernon Valley Lake Dam will be crucial in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our water infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.
Dam Length |
40 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
Pochuck Creek-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
9 |
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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