Northshore Lake Dam

Marsh Creek· Wake, North Carolina· Built 1957· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Northshore Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 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 Length246 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage63 acre-ft
Normal Storage40 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Max Discharge82 cfs
Year Completed1957 (69 years old)
NID IDNC01231

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: March 7, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Northshore Lake Dam?

Northshore Lake 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 Northshore Lake Dam?

Northshore Lake Dam is owned by City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Northshore Lake Dam built?

Northshore Lake Dam was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Northshore Lake Dam?

Northshore 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 Northshore Lake Dam last inspected?

Northshore Lake Dam was last inspected on March 7, 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.