Tarkiln Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Tarkiln Pond Dam, located in Upper Township, Cape May, New Jersey, is a local government-owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 7 feet and has a length of 100 feet, creating a storage capacity of 15 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Tarkiln Run and is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Despite its relatively small size, Tarkiln Pond Dam poses a significant hazard potential and is classified as having a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2020. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in April 2020, and an emergency action plan (EAP) is in the process of being prepared. The dam's risk assessment, inundation maps, and specific risk management measures are yet to be fully developed, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard the surrounding area and water resources.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tarkiln Pond Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, recreation, and environmental stewardship. As part of the larger watershed system, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage, while also presenting challenges in terms of potential hazards and emergency preparedness. By examining the dam's design, condition assessment, and regulatory oversight, enthusiasts can gain insights into the complexities of sustainable water resource management in the face of evolving climate conditions and increasing demands for recreational use.
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
Tarkiln Run |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
7 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Belleplain State Forest
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Frontier Campground
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Whipporwhil Campsite
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Whipporwhill Campsite
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Tarkiln Pond Dam
Jakes Landing Road 102, Dennis Township