Lower Aetna Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ballinger Lake Dam Mishe - Mokwa Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Lower Aetna Lake Dam in Medford, New Jersey, stands as a vital structure managed by the local government for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1926, this earth dam reaches a height of 12 feet and spans 240 feet in length, holding a storage capacity of 136 acre-feet. With a normal storage of 106 acre-feet, this dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the area, particularly for the Haynes Creek-TR. The dam has a spillway width and other associated structures not specified, but it is inspected regularly with a satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2021.
Located within the Burlington County, Lower Aetna Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential but has been rated as satisfactory in its condition assessment. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures are not fully specified, but it is clear that the dam plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and management of water resources in the region.
Managed by the local government and operating primarily for recreational purposes, Lower Aetna Lake Dam stands as a historic structure that continues to serve the community. With its strategic location in Medford Lakes Borough and its contribution to the water management system for Haynes Creek-TR, the dam remains a key feature in the region's landscape. Despite its age, the dam's regular inspections, satisfactory condition, and storage capacity underscore its importance in maintaining water resources and mitigating potential risks in the area.
Year Completed |
1926 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
Haynes Creek-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
136 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Atsion - Wharton State Forest
|
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Batona Camp
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Lower Forge Camp
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Lower Aetna Lake Dam