Ballinger Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ballinger Lake Dam, located in Medford, New Jersey, is a privately owned earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 11 feet and stretching 950 feet in length, the dam provides a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres. The dam is situated on the Rancocas Creek-TR, within the Baltimore District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and falls under the regulatory oversight of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Ballinger Lake Dam is currently in fair condition based on its last inspection in April 2020. The dam has a scheduled inspection frequency of every two years to ensure its continued safety and functionality. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in September 2014, and the dam's hazard potential and risk management measures are yet to be fully assessed and documented.

With its picturesque location in the heart of Medford Lakes Borough, Ballinger Lake Dam stands as a vital recreational resource for the local community. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, ensuring the safety and stability of dams like Ballinger Lake Dam becomes increasingly crucial for protecting both lives and property in the face of potential emergencies.

Dam Length

950

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Rancocas Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

21

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

11
       
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.