Wagush Levee Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Wagush Levee Dam, located in Medford, New Jersey, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 8 feet and a length of 930 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 54 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Haynes Creek-TR, within the Burlington County state jurisdiction.

Despite its recreational purpose, Wagush Levee Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, as indicated by the last inspection in September 2020. The dam is regulated by the NJDEP and undergoes regular state inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in January 2013, and there is room for improvement in terms of meeting guidelines and preparedness for potential risks.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wagush Levee Dam serves as an interesting case study due to its location, design, and management. The dam's importance lies in its role in recreational activities and the potential risks it poses in the event of a failure. Further research and monitoring of Wagush Levee Dam could provide valuable insights into dam safety, emergency preparedness, and the impact of climate change on water infrastructure in the region.

Dam Length

930

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Haynes Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

74

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

8
       
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.