Spring Lake Dam

Walnut Creek· Wayne, North Carolina· Built 1970· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Spring Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 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 Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage458 acre-ft
Normal Storage398 acre-ft
Surface Area60 acres
Drainage Area1,400 sq mi
Max Discharge1,177 cfs
Year Completed1970 (56 years old)
Year Modified2001
NID IDNC00936

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: May 18, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Village of Walnut Creek

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Spring Lake Dam?

Spring 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 Spring Lake Dam?

Spring Lake Dam is owned by Village of Walnut Creek (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Spring Lake Dam built?

Spring Lake Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Spring Lake Dam?

Spring 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 Spring Lake Dam last inspected?

Spring Lake Dam was last inspected on May 18, 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.