Rock Island Lake Dam

Sparta Glen-TR· Sussex, New Jersey· Built 1940· Earth· 19 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Rock Island Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 19 ft (taller than 70% in NJ)
Dam Length500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage61 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge9 cfs
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDNJ00819

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 6, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Rock Island Lake Owners Assoc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rock Island Lake Dam?

Rock Island Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Rock Island Lake Dam?

Rock Island Lake Dam is owned by Rock Island Lake Owners Assoc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rock Island Lake Dam built?

Rock Island Lake Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Rock Island Lake Dam?

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

How tall is Rock Island Lake Dam?

Rock Island Lake Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Rock Island Lake Dam last inspected?

Rock Island Lake Dam was last inspected on November 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.