Hands Mill Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: West Creek Dam East Creek Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Hands Mill Dam, located in Maurice River Township, New Jersey, is a significant earth dam with a height of 10.3 feet and a length of 550 feet.
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Summary
The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet and a drainage area of 7.6 square miles. The dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite being classified as having a "Significant" hazard potential, Hands Mill Dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in May 2019. The dam has not been significantly modified since its construction, and there are no associated structures or locks. The dam is located on the West Creek and is within the jurisdiction of Congressional District 02, New Jersey, represented by Jeff Van Drew.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Hands Mill Dam to be an interesting case study in dam management and regulation. With its recreational purpose and location in a picturesque area of Cumberland County, New Jersey, the dam presents both opportunities for enjoyment and challenges in ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
10.3 |
River Or Stream |
West Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Drainage Area |
7.6 |
Nid Storage |
92 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Hands Mill Dam
Maurice River Township