Lake Benson Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Benson Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1952 and is 74 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 Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 7.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 463 acres |
| Max Discharge | 11,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1952 (74 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00861 |
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
Raleigh Water Treatment Division
Local Government
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High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Benson Dam?
Lake Benson 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 Lake Benson Dam?
Lake Benson Dam is owned by Raleigh Water Treatment Division (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Benson Dam built?
Lake Benson Dam was completed in 1952, making it 74 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 Lake Benson Dam?
Lake Benson Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Lake Benson Dam last inspected?
Lake Benson Dam was last inspected on February 10, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.