Lower Aetna Lake Dam

Haynes Creek-TR· Burlington, New Jersey· Built 1926· Earth· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lower Aetna Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 31.2% in NJ)
Dam Length240 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage136 acre-ft
Normal Storage106 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge187 cfs
Year Completed1926 (100 years old)
NID IDNJ00418

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 28, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NJDEP

Ownership

Borough of Medford Lakes

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Aetna Lake Dam?

Lower Aetna Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lower Aetna Lake Dam?

Lower Aetna Lake Dam is owned by Borough of Medford Lakes (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Aetna Lake Dam built?

Lower Aetna Lake Dam was completed in 1926, making it 100 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Lower Aetna Lake Dam?

Lower Aetna Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lower Aetna Lake Dam?

Lower Aetna Lake Dam has a dam height of 12 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Lower Aetna Lake Dam last inspected?

Lower Aetna Lake Dam was last inspected on December 28, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.