Tryon Road Dam

Swift Creek· Wake, North Carolina· Built 1900· Earth·

High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Tryon Road Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 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 Type	Earth

Year Completed	1900 (126 years old)
Year Modified	2001
NID ID	NC05894

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: December 8, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Town of Cary

Local Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Tryon Road Dam?

Tryon Road 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 Tryon Road Dam?

Tryon Road Dam is owned by Town of Cary (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Tryon Road Dam built?

Tryon Road Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Tryon Road Dam?

Tryon Road 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 Tryon Road Dam last inspected?

Tryon Road Dam was last inspected on December 8, 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.