Wake Forest Water Supply Dam

Smith Creek· Wake, North Carolina· Built 1960· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Wake Forest Water Supply Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 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 Length665 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage945 acre-ft
Normal Storage538 acre-ft
Surface Area50 acres
Drainage Area2,101 sq mi
Max Discharge2,786 cfs
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDNC00995

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

Town of Wake Forest

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wake Forest Water Supply Dam?

Wake Forest Water Supply 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 Wake Forest Water Supply Dam?

Wake Forest Water Supply Dam is owned by Town of Wake Forest (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wake Forest Water Supply Dam built?

Wake Forest Water Supply Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Wake Forest Water Supply Dam?

Wake Forest Water Supply Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Wake Forest Water Supply Dam last inspected?

Wake Forest Water Supply 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.