Bucks Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Bucks Mill Dam, located in Colts Neck Township, New Jersey, serves as a recreational water resource along the Yellow Brook river.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, with state-permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.

The dam's condition assessment as of December 2020 deemed it to be in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential. The inspection frequency is set at every two years, with the last inspection conducted in December 2020. Although no emergency action plan (EAP) has been reported, the dam's risk management measures, risk assessment, and inundation maps are all currently unspecified. With a designated hazard potential and condition assessment, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to mitigate any potential risks associated with Bucks Mill Dam and ensure the safety of its surrounding community and environment.

In Congressional District 04 of New Jersey, Bucks Mill Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, with no federal agency ownership, funding, or involvement in its design, construction, or operation. As a locally-owned and regulated structure, Bucks Mill Dam provides both recreational benefits and potential risks that require careful management and oversight to sustain its functionality and safety for the long term.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Yellow Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

6.9

Nid Storage

21

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.