Woolman Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Woolman Lake Dam, situated in Mount Holly, Burlington, New Jersey, is a local government-owned structure regulating Buttonwood Run.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 5 feet and a length of 175 feet, primarily serves for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 3 acres and a storage capacity of 17 acre-feet. Despite its recreational value, the dam is deemed to have a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in January 2022.

Managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Woolman Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance. The dam's emergency action plan was last updated in October 2014, and its risk assessment and management measures are currently unspecified. Considering its location in a densely populated area, continuous monitoring and maintenance of Woolman Lake Dam are crucial to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the surrounding communities and environment from any adverse impacts.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Woolman Lake Dam can track its condition assessment, emergency preparedness, and risk management through regular inspections and updates from the NJDEP. With a focus on enhancing public safety and environmental resilience, ongoing efforts to address the dam's hazard potential and condition issues are essential to ensure the sustainable management of this recreational water resource in Mount Holly, New Jersey.

Dam Length

175

Dam Height

5

River Or Stream

Buttonwood Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

17

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

5
       
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.