Gresham Lake Dam

Perry Creek· Wake, North Carolina· Built 1939· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Gresham Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 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 Length1,100 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.2K acre-ft
Surface Area65 acres
Drainage Area2,383 sq mi
Max Discharge258 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDNC00795

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: No
Last Inspection: February 24, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Reba Rowland

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gresham Lake Dam?

Gresham 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 Gresham Lake Dam?

Gresham Lake Dam is owned by Reba Rowland (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gresham Lake Dam built?

Gresham Lake Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Gresham Lake Dam?

Gresham 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.

When was Gresham Lake Dam last inspected?

Gresham Lake Dam was last inspected on February 24, 2023. 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.