Pine Lake Dam

Gum Swamp Creek· Scotland, North Carolina· Built 1952· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Pine Lake 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 Length920 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage137 acre-ft
Normal Storage114 acre-ft
Surface Area19 acres
Drainage Area1,158 sq mi
Max Discharge40 cfs
Year Completed1952 (74 years old)
NID IDNC01085

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: No
Last Inspection: December 14, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

NC Department of Transportation

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pine Lake Dam?

Pine 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 Pine Lake Dam?

Pine Lake Dam is owned by NC Department of Transportation (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pine Lake Dam built?

Pine Lake 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 Pine Lake Dam?

Pine 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 Pine Lake Dam last inspected?

Pine Lake Dam was last inspected on December 14, 2022. 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.