Carolina Pines Dam

UT to Walnut Creek· Wake, North Carolina· Built 1948· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Carolina Pines Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length225 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage53 acre-ft
Normal Storage19 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area307 sq mi
Max Discharge1,140 cfs
Year Completed1948 (78 years old)
NID IDNC05753

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: February 16, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

City of Raleigh

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carolina Pines Dam?

Carolina Pines Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Carolina Pines Dam?

Carolina Pines Dam is owned by City of Raleigh (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Carolina Pines Dam built?

Carolina Pines Dam was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Carolina Pines Dam?

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

When was Carolina Pines Dam last inspected?

Carolina Pines Dam was last inspected on February 16, 2022. 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.