Olive Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Olive Lake Dam, located in Harnett, North Carolina, serves as a vital water resource for irrigation purposes along the Barbeque Swamp.
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Summary
Built in 1954, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 18 feet, with a length of 636 feet. It has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and covers an area of 8 acres. Despite its important role in irrigation, the dam's condition assessment has been deemed poor, with a low hazard potential.
The dam, owned privately, is maintained for irrigation and recreational purposes. Its inspection frequency is reported as 0, with the last inspection conducted in May 2013. The structure, although serving its primary purpose adequately, faces challenges with its condition and enforcement. The surrounding area in Sanford benefits from the water resource provided by Olive Lake Dam, but improvements and monitoring are necessary to ensure the safety and sustainability of this essential infrastructure for both water resource and climate enthusiasts.
With a historical background dating back to the 1950s, Olive Lake Dam stands as a testament to water management in North Carolina. As the region faces increasing climate challenges, ensuring the proper maintenance and regulation of this crucial structure is paramount. Climate enthusiasts and stakeholders must advocate for the necessary upgrades and improvements to protect the integrity of Olive Lake Dam and secure its continued contribution to the water resources of Harnett County and beyond.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
636 |
River Or Stream |
Barbeque Swamp |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River At Manchester
|
263cfs |
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
7cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
711cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Deep River At Moncure
|
277cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
104cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams 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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Olive Lake Dam