Falls Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Falls Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1981 and is 45 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 Height | 92 ft (taller than 79.6% in NC) |
| Dam Length | 1,915 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.0M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 114.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11,310 acres |
| Drainage Area | 770 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 35,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1981 (45 years old) |
| NID ID | NC01713 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
USACE - Wilmington District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Wakefield Lake Dam #1
Wake, NC
Low HazardBedford At Falls River Dam #1
Wake, NC
High HazardBedford At Falls River Dam #2
Wake, NC
Significant HazardRavenwood Hoa Dam
Wake, NC
High HazardWakefield Lake Dam #2
Wake, NC
Low HazardE.M. Johnson Detention Basin Dam
Wake, NC
Significant HazardEm Johnson Alum Sludge Lagoon Dam
Wake, NC
High HazardE.M. Johnson Water Plant A Dam
Wake, NC
High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Falls Lake Dam?
Falls Lake 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 Falls Lake Dam?
Falls Lake Dam is owned by USACE - Wilmington District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Falls Lake Dam built?
Falls Lake Dam was completed in 1981, making it 45 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 Falls Lake Dam?
Falls Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Falls Lake Dam?
Falls Lake Dam has a dam height of 92 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 Falls Lake Dam last inspected?
Falls Lake Dam was last inspected on March 30, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.