Lake Royale Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Royale Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 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 | 1,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 10.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 330 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17,050 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 52,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2009 |
| NID ID | NC00821 |
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
Lake Royale Property Association
Private
Nearby Dams
Jeffries Lake Dam
Nash, NC
Significant HazardBrantley Lake Dam
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Low HazardMullen Lake Dam
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Low HazardNewcomb Lagoon Dam
Franklin, NC
Significant HazardJones Dam
Franklin, NC
Low HazardEddins Pond Dam
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Low HazardLambert Dam
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High HazardBarbee Lake Dam
Nash, NC
Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Royale Dam?
Lake Royale 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 Royale Dam?
Lake Royale Dam is owned by Lake Royale Property Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Royale Dam built?
Lake Royale Dam was completed in 1973, making it 53 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 Royale Dam?
Lake Royale 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 Lake Royale Dam last inspected?
Lake Royale Dam was last inspected on February 22, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.