Gum Swamp Lake Dam dam
Gum Swamp Lake Dam
Gum Swamp Lake Dam, located in Richmond Mills, North Carolina, is a state-owned structure built in 1934 for recreational purposes along Gum Swamp Creek. The dam stands at 12 feet high with a hydraulic height of 9 feet, creating a lake with a surface area of 55 acres and a storage capacity of 173 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition since an inspection in 2008.
Overlooking the scenic Gum Swamp Lake, the dam provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation in a tranquil setting. With a drainage area of 15,808 acres and a maximum discharge of 76 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a key feature in the local ecosystem and offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts. Although not regulated by the state and lacking updated emergency action plans, Gum Swamp Lake Dam continues to be a beloved outdoor destination for visitors seeking a connection to water resources and climate in North Carolina.
As a vital part of the Wilmington District, Gum Swamp Lake Dam holds historical significance as a recreational oasis that has withstood the test of time. While it may not have the modern amenities or regulatory oversight of newer structures, its enduring charm and natural beauty make it a valuable asset for both the local community and water resource enthusiasts. The dam stands as a testament to the importance of preserving our natural landscapes and enjoying the wonders of water and climate in a sustainable manner.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Gum Swamp Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Drowning Creek Near Hoffman | 14 cfs | → |
| Big Shoe Heel Creek Nr Laurinburg | 15 cfs | → |
| Lumber River Near Maxton | 91 cfs | → |
| Pee Dee R Nr Rockingham | 1,900 cfs | → |
| Rockfish Creek At Raeford | 30 cfs | → |
| Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville | 2,050 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Gum Swamp Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- West Us 74 Highway 1333, Rockingham
- State Road 1759, Lilesville
- Niagara Carthage Road 3326, Whispering Pines
- Shadow Drive 93, Whispering Pines
- Dewberry Drive Whispering Pines
Campgrounds
- Chalk Banks - Lumber River State Park
- Cheraw State Park
- Loblolly Campsite
- Sweetgum Campsite
- Hickory Campsite
- Camp Durant
Fishing spots
- Broadacres Lake
- Broadacres Lakes
- Baldwins Pond
- Big Branch
- Aberdeen Town Lake
- Blewett Falls Lake Grassy Island
Track Gum Swamp Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Gum Swamp Lake Dam
Where does the data for Gum Swamp Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Gum Swamp Lake Dam.