Holiday Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Holiday Lake Dam, located in Stafford Township, New Jersey, is a privately owned structure built in 1965 primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Situated on the Fourmile Branch of Mill Creek, this earth dam stands at a height of 15.6 feet, with a length of 680 feet, and a storage capacity of 810 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 338 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 39 acres and serves a drainage area of 5.5 square miles.

Despite being classified as having low hazard potential and fair condition as of the last assessment in 2010, Holiday Lake Dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. It undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure compliance with safety standards. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2004, and it meets state guidelines, although specific risk assessment and management details are not provided in the data.

Holiday Lake Dam offers a picturesque recreational spot within Ocean County, attracting visitors for activities like boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. As climate change impacts water resources, monitoring and maintaining such structures become crucial for sustainable water management. Enthusiasts interested in water resource and climate issues can appreciate Holiday Lake Dam as a case study in balancing recreational benefits with safety and environmental concerns in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

680

Dam Height

15.6

River Or Stream

Fourmile Branch of Mill Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

39

Drainage Area

5.5

Nid Storage

810

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.