Gifford's Mill Dam dam
Gifford's Mill Dam
Gifford's Mill Dam, located in Tuckerton, New Jersey, is a significant water resource structure associated with the Gifford's Mill Branch. Owned by the local government, this dam serves the primary purpose of recreation, providing a tranquil setting for water and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. The dam is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement standards.
Despite its recreational value, Gifford's Mill Dam is currently in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential identified. The last inspection in February 2020 highlighted the dam's deteriorating state, prompting concerns about its structural integrity and safety. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in August 2021, indicating ongoing efforts to address potential risks and improve the dam's overall condition.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to enjoy the recreational opportunities offered by Gifford's Mill Dam, it remains essential for authorities to prioritize its maintenance and rehabilitation to ensure the safety of both the structure and the surrounding community. With proper risk assessment and management measures in place, this historic dam can continue to be a valuable asset while safeguarding against potential hazards and preserving its environmental significance in the region.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Gifford's Mill Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Westecunk Creek At Stafford Forge Nj | 18 cfs | → |
| East Branch Bass River Near New Gretna Nj | 7 cfs | → |
| Oswego River At Harrisville Nj | 26 cfs | → |
| West Branch Wading River Near Jenkins Nj | 17 cfs | → |
| Mullica River Near Batsto Nj | 14 cfs | → |
| Cedar Creek At Lanoka Harbor Nj | 73 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Gifford's Mill Dam.
Boat launches
- North Shore (Blue) Trail Burlington County
- Scotts Landing Road 1099, Galloway Township
- Shore Avenue Ship Bottom
- Lake Trail Burlington County
- West 75th Street 99, Harvey Cedars
- West 81st Street 99, Harvey Cedars
Track Gifford's Mill Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Gifford's Mill Dam
Where does the data for Gifford's Mill Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Gifford's Mill Dam.