Breakneck Dam
Breakneck Dam is an earth dam located in Burlington County, New Jersey, built in 1870. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Breakneck Dam
The primary purpose of Breakneck Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Old Taunton Colony Club (private). It impounds the Haynes Creek near Medford.
The dam stands 14 feet tall and stretches 255 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 39 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 354 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 13 square miles. Completed in 1870, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/13/2024.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New Jersey |
| County | Burlington |
| Nearest City | Medford |
| River/Stream | Haynes Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.85278, -74.85398 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Length | 255 ft |
| Year Completed | 1870 (156 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 354 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 354 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 125 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 39 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 600 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Old Taunton Colony Club |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/13/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NJ00425 |
| Federal ID | NJ00425 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |