Bells Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bells Lake Dam, located in Turnersville, New Jersey, is a private-owned structure built in 1928 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 22 feet and stretching 500 feet in length, holds a maximum storage capacity of 343 acre-feet and serves as a key component in managing the water resources of the South Branch Timber Creek. Despite its historical significance, the dam is currently classified as having a significant hazard potential and poor condition, as indicated by a recent inspection report in April 2020.

Managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Bells Lake Dam is subject to state regulations and undergoes regular inspections. The dam's enforcement, permitting, and inspection processes are all overseen by NJDEP, ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure. While the dam's recreational value remains important to the local community, efforts are needed to address its deteriorating condition and mitigate potential risks associated with its operation. As a key feature in the water resource management of Gloucester County, Bells Lake Dam represents a critical infrastructure that requires ongoing attention and maintenance to safeguard its long-term viability and functionality.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

South Branch Timber Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

31

Drainage Area

2.9

Nid Storage

343

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
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.