Lake Wendell Dam

Buffalo Creek· Johnston, North Carolina· Built 1900· Masonry·
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Wendell Dam is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Length130 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage560 acre-ft
Normal Storage560 acre-ft
Surface Area100 acres
Drainage Area14,080 sq mi
Max Discharge330 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDNC00960

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: May 5, 1976
State Regulated: No

Ownership

James S Young

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Wendell Dam?

Lake Wendell 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 Lake Wendell Dam?

Lake Wendell Dam is owned by James S Young (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Wendell Dam built?

Lake Wendell Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Wendell Dam?

Lake Wendell 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 Wendell Dam last inspected?

Lake Wendell Dam was last inspected on May 5, 1976. 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.