Robert Rooke Dam
Robert Rooke Dam is an earth dam located in Sussex County, New Jersey, built in 1963. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Robert Rooke Dam
The primary purpose of Robert Rooke Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Ymca Of Newark (private). It impounds the Branch Of Big Flat Brook near Peters Valley.
The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 620 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 11 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 147 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1963, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/10/2024.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New Jersey dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New Jersey |
| County | Sussex |
| Nearest City | Peters Valley |
| River/Stream | Branch Of Big Flat Brook |
| Coordinates | 41.21512, -74.79970 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 620 ft |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 147 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 147 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 49 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,336 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | YMCA of Newark |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/10/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NJ00262 |
| Federal ID | NJ00262 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |