New Jersey Water Science Center

FLOOD OF JULY 12-13, 2004, BURLINGTON AND CAMDEN COUNTIES, SOUTH-CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

Prepared in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency

By Amy R. Protz and Timothy J. Reed

Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5096

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Abstract

Intense rainfall inundated south-central New Jersey on July 12-13, 2004, causing major flooding with heavy property, road, and bridge damage in Burlington and Camden Counties. Forty-five dams were topped or damaged, or failed completely. The affected areas were in the Rancocas Creek, Cooper River, and Pennsauken Creek Basins.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) documented peak stream elevations and flows at 56 selected sites within the affected area. With rainfall totals averaging more than 6 inches throughout the three basins, peak-of-record flood elevations and streamflows occurred at all but one USGS stream gage, where the previous record was tied. Flood-frequency recurrence-intervals ranged from 30 to greater than 100 years and maximum streamflow per square mile ranged from 13.9 to 263 cubic feet per second per square mile (ft3/s/mi2).

Peak streamflow at USGS stream gages surrounding the affected basins are associated with considerably lower recurrence intervals and demonstrate the limited extent of the flood. A high tide of about 1 foot above monthly mean high tide did not contribute to high-water conditions. Low ground-water levels prior to the rainfall helped to mitigate flooding in the affected basins. Compared with historical floods in the Rancocas Creek Basin during 1938-40, the July 2004 flood had greater streamflow, but lower stream elevations.

Property damage from the event was estimated at $50 million. Governor James E. McGreevy declared a State of Emergency in Burlington and Camden Counties on July 13, 2004. After assessment of the damage by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), President George W. Bush declared Burlington and Camden Counties disaster areas on July 16, 2004.


Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose and scope

Study Area

Conditions During Flood

Precipitation

Dams

Flood peaks

Datums

Peak elevations

Peak flows

Flood extent

Ancillary hydrologic components

Effects of tides

Ground-water conditions

Historical Context

Flood Damage

Flood Management Upgrades

Summary

Acknowledgments

References Cited

Appendix 1. Stream reaches in the study area

Appendix 2—Selected photographs of high-water marks and post-flood stream conditions in the study area


Download: PDF of SIR2006-5096 (14.8Mb).

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