Shelley Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Shelley Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 1,155 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 445 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 53 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,219 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 29,167 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | NC01452 |
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
Wake County Facility and Field Service
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Leadmine Lake Dam
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High HazardWooten Pond Dam
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High HazardAmmons Lake Dam Lower
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High HazardHart-Curtis Pond Dam
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High HazardWilliams-Johnson Pond Dam
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High HazardTennyson Place Dam
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Significant HazardAmmons Lake Dam Upper
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High HazardBaker Lake Dam
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High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Shelley Lake Dam?
Shelley 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 Shelley Lake Dam?
Shelley Lake Dam is owned by Wake County Facility and Field Service (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Shelley Lake Dam built?
Shelley Lake Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Shelley Lake Dam?
Shelley Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Shelley Lake Dam last inspected?
Shelley Lake Dam was last inspected on January 11, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.