Bunker Hill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Bunker Hill Dam, located in Jackson Township, New Jersey, is a local government-owned structure built in 1938 along the Dove Branch of Toms River.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 500 feet in length, providing a surface area of 35 acres and a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. Despite its age, Bunker Hill Dam is in satisfactory condition and has a low hazard potential, making it a safe and reliable source of water resource management in the area.

Managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bunker Hill Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations. The dam's maximum discharge capacity reaches 885 cubic feet per second, serving the surrounding community while also offering recreational opportunities for visitors. With its location in Ocean County, New Jersey, Bunker Hill Dam plays a crucial role in managing the local watershed and providing a serene environment for outdoor activities.

Congressional District 04's representative, Christopher H. Smith, oversees the area where Bunker Hill Dam is situated, emphasizing the importance of water resource management and climate resilience. As a key infrastructure for the region, the dam's condition is regularly assessed, and emergency action plans are in place to mitigate any potential risks. With its historical significance and functional purpose, Bunker Hill Dam stands as a testament to effective dam construction and management practices, contributing to the sustainable development of water resources in New Jersey.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Dove Branch of Toms River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35

Drainage Area

5.3

Nid Storage

130

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.