West Shore Trail Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

West Shore Trail Dam, located in Sparta, New Jersey along the Wallkill River, is a privately-owned structure that falls under the regulatory oversight of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.


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Summary

This earth and gravity dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, last inspected in January 2020. Despite its state-regulated status, the dam lacks specified purposes or details on its physical attributes such as height, length, or storage capacity.

The dam's location in Byram Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, highlights its significance in the local water resource management landscape. With limited information available on its design and construction history, there is substantial room for further exploration and assessment of the West Shore Trail Dam's structural integrity and potential risks. Climate and water resource enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and environmental impact may find this dam to be a compelling case study for understanding the complexities of managing and maintaining critical water infrastructure.

Given the lack of detailed data on the dam's design and operational aspects, there is a clear need for more comprehensive inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of the West Shore Trail Dam. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure resilience, the importance of proactive monitoring and management of dams like this one becomes increasingly vital. This case presents an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with safeguarding water resources in a changing climate landscape.

River Or Stream

Wallkill River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hazard Potential

High
       
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.
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