Breakneck Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Centennial Lake Dam Lake Pine Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Breakneck Dam, located in Medford, New Jersey, on the Haynes Creek, was completed in 1870 and stands at a height of 14 feet with a length of 255 feet.
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Summary
This earth and gravity dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a storage capacity of 354 acre-feet. The dam has a significant hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in July 2020.
Managed by a private owner, Breakneck Dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam is situated in Burlington County and falls under the jurisdiction of Congressional District 03, represented by Andy Kim (D). With a drainage area of 13 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 600 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will find Breakneck Dam an intriguing structure to study, given its historical significance, engineering design, and impact on the surrounding environment. As a focal point for recreation and water storage, this dam serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem and presents opportunities for further research on dam safety, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1870 |
Dam Length |
255 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
Haynes Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
39 |
Drainage Area |
13 |
Nid Storage |
354 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
14 |
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.
Breakneck Dam