Lake Crabtree Dam

Crabtree Creek· Wake, North Carolina· Built 1988· Earth·
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Crabtree Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1988 and is 38 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 Length1,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage9.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.0K acre-ft
Surface Area473 acres
Drainage Area33,323 sq mi
Year Completed1988 (38 years old)
NID IDNC04952

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: Yes
Last Inspection: February 23, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Wake County Attorney's Office

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Crabtree Dam?

Lake Crabtree 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 Crabtree Dam?

Lake Crabtree Dam is owned by Wake County Attorney's Office (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Crabtree Dam built?

Lake Crabtree Dam was completed in 1988, making it 38 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 Crabtree Dam?

Lake Crabtree Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Lake Crabtree Dam last inspected?

Lake Crabtree Dam was last inspected on February 23, 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.