Shaw Lake Dam

Honeycutt Creek· Wake, North Carolina· Built 1972· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Shaw Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 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 Length450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage55 acre-ft
Normal Storage48 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Max Discharge109 cfs
Year Completed1972 (54 years old)
NID IDNC00851

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 27, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Grey's Landing Property Owners Association, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Shaw Lake Dam?

Shaw 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 Shaw Lake Dam?

Shaw Lake Dam is owned by Grey's Landing Property Owners Association, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Shaw Lake Dam built?

Shaw Lake Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Shaw Lake Dam?

Shaw 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 Shaw Lake Dam last inspected?

Shaw Lake Dam was last inspected on February 27, 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.