James Lake Dam

Marks Creek· Richmond, North Carolina· Built 1955· Earth·
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

James Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Length675 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage158 acre-ft
Normal Storage132 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Max Discharge7 cfs
Year Completed1955 (71 years old)
NID IDNC00638

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: April 20, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Lillian J Smith

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of James Lake Dam?

James 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 James Lake Dam?

James Lake Dam is owned by Lillian J Smith (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was James Lake Dam built?

James Lake Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 James Lake Dam?

James 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 James Lake Dam last inspected?

James Lake Dam was last inspected on April 20, 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.