Hester Lake Dam

Little River· Wake, North Carolina· Built 1940· Earth·
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Hester Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Length2,270 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage54 acre-ft
Normal Storage45 acre-ft
Drainage Area736 sq mi
Max Discharge221 cfs
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDNC00798

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 6, 1980
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Laura S Watkins

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hester Lake Dam?

Hester Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Hester Lake Dam?

Hester Lake Dam is owned by Laura S Watkins (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hester Lake Dam built?

Hester Lake Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Hester Lake Dam?

Hester 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 Hester Lake Dam last inspected?

Hester Lake Dam was last inspected on February 6, 1980. 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.