Lahaway Plantation Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Lahaway Plantation Dam in Ocean County, New Jersey, stands as a testament to the importance of water resources and climate resilience.


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Summary

This privately owned earthen dam along Lahaway Creek serves the primary purpose of recreation, providing a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. With a height of 14 feet and a length of 221 feet, the dam creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 45 acres within a drainage area of 2.4 square miles.

Located in Jackson Township, the dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and is subject to state inspection, permitting, and enforcement. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, nor does it meet the guidelines for inundation maps or risk assessment. However, with its recreational importance and serene surroundings, Lahaway Plantation Dam serves as a valuable asset in the local community.

Overall, Lahaway Plantation Dam represents a blend of natural beauty and human engineering, showcasing the delicate balance between water resource management and recreational enjoyment. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Lahaway becomes increasingly crucial. By staying vigilant and implementing risk management measures, this dam can continue to provide both recreational opportunities and essential water resource benefits for years to come in Ocean County, New Jersey.

Dam Length

221

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

Lahaway Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

45

Drainage Area

2.4

Nid Storage

140

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.