Deer Head Lake Dam dam
Deer Head Lake Dam
Deer Head Lake Dam, located in Forked River, New Jersey, is a vital structure owned by the local government and regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. This earth dam, standing at a height of 9.4 feet and stretching 660 feet in length, serves primarily for recreation purposes. With a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet and a surface area of 92 acres, the dam creates Deer Head Lake, offering a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
The dam's high hazard potential is managed effectively, as indicated by its satisfactory condition assessment during the last inspection in June 2020. Despite its age, the structure continues to serve its purpose of providing recreational opportunities while ensuring public safety. Additionally, its location on the North Branch Forked River adds to the aesthetic appeal of the area, attracting visitors and wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy the natural surroundings.
As a key feature in Lacey Township, Deer Head Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in Ocean County, New Jersey. With its regulated status, routine inspections, and emergency action plan readiness, the dam stands as a testament to responsible infrastructure management in safeguarding both the environment and the community. For those interested in water resources and climate adaptation, Deer Head Lake Dam is a prime example of sustainable infrastructure supporting recreation and environmental stewardship in the region.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Deer Head Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Creek At Lanoka Harbor Nj | 73 cfs | → |
| Toms River Near Toms River Nj | 95 cfs | → |
| Westecunk Creek At Stafford Forge Nj | 19 cfs | → |
| Mcdonalds Branch In Lebanon State Forest Nj | 1 cfs | → |
| North Branch Metedeconk River Near Lakewood Nj | 22 cfs | → |
| East Branch Bass River Near New Gretna Nj | 7 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Deer Head Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Bayview Place Ocean Gate
- Garfield Avenue 230, Toms River
- West 81st Street 99, Harvey Cedars
- West 75th Street 99, Harvey Cedars
- Shore Avenue Ship Bottom
- North Shore (Blue) Trail Burlington County
Track Deer Head Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Deer Head Lake Dam
Where does the data for Deer Head Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Deer Head Lake Dam.