Smithville Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buttonwood Lake Dam Mill Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Smithville Dam, located in Burlington, New Jersey, along the North Branch Rancocas Creek, is a Timber Crib structure completed in 1935 with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 60 feet, providing a storage capacity of 244 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 132 square miles. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1062 cubic feet per second, the dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Owned by the local government of Mt. Holly, Smithville Dam offers a surface area of 37 acres for recreational activities and water-based adventures. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains satisfactory, as of the last inspection in June 2020. With a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and updated contact information, the dam ensures public safety and risk management measures in case of emergencies. Congressionally represented by Andy Kim (D), Smithville Dam continues to provide a picturesque and essential water resource for the community of Eastampton Township.
In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smithville Dam stands as a historic landmark that not only serves as a recreational hub but also as a vital infrastructure for water storage and management in New Jersey. Its presence along the North Branch Rancocas Creek highlights the intersection of human-made structures with natural water systems, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and risk mitigation strategies for dam safety and environmental conservation. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Smithville Dam play a crucial role in ensuring water security and resilience for future generations.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
60 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
North Branch Rancocas Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Timber Crib |
Surface Area |
37 |
Drainage Area |
132 |
Nid Storage |
244 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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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