Lake Rutherford Dam

Clove Brook-TR· Sussex, New Jersey· Earth· 12 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Rutherford Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. Its primary use is water supply. 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 Length	110 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Normal Storage	780 acre-ft

Surface Area	64 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Max Discharge	145 cfs
NID ID	NJ00966

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: July 6, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Borough of Sussex

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Colesville Reservoir Dam

Sussex, NJ

Significant Hazard 15 ft

John'S Lake Dam

Sussex, NJ

Low Hazard 11 ft

Sawmill Pond Dam

Sussex, NJ

Low Hazard 15 ft

Lake Marcia Dam

Sussex, NJ

Low Hazard 15 ft

Steenykill Lake Dam

Sussex, NJ

High Hazard 25 ft

Fountain House Dam

Sussex, NJ

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Herzenberg Dam

Sussex, NJ

Low Hazard 16 ft

Mashipacong Pond Dam

Sussex, NJ

Low Hazard 12 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Rutherford Dam?

Lake Rutherford 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 Lake Rutherford Dam?

Lake Rutherford Dam is owned by Borough of Sussex (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Lake Rutherford Dam?

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

How tall is Lake Rutherford Dam?

Lake Rutherford 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 Lake Rutherford Dam last inspected?

Lake Rutherford Dam was last inspected on July 6, 2021. 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.