Crystal Spring Lake Dam

Ramsey Brook· Bergen, New Jersey· Built 1900· Earth· 12 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Crystal Spring Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 31.2% in NJ)
Dam Length550 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage65 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge450 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDNJ00231

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 26, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Ramsey Golf & Country Club

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Crystal Spring Lake Dam?

Crystal Spring Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Crystal Spring Lake Dam?

Crystal Spring Lake Dam is owned by Ramsey Golf & Country Club (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Crystal Spring Lake Dam built?

Crystal Spring Lake Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Crystal Spring Lake Dam?

Crystal Spring Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Crystal Spring Lake Dam?

Crystal Spring Lake Dam has a dam height of 12 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Crystal Spring Lake Dam last inspected?

Crystal Spring Lake Dam was last inspected on October 26, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.