Roberts Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Roberts Lake Dam, located in Harnett, North Carolina, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the Barbeque Swamp.
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Summary
Built in 1954, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 17 feet with a hydraulic height of 9 feet. With a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet and a normal storage of 58 acre-feet, Roberts Lake Dam plays a significant role in mitigating potential flooding in the region.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Roberts Lake Dam is inspected regularly to ensure its fair condition and significant hazard potential are adequately managed. The dam also serves additional purposes beyond flood risk reduction, including irrigation and recreation. Although it does not have designated spillways or locks, the dam's presence enables the storage of water for various uses while maintaining a surface area of 12 acres.
As a critical infrastructure in the Wilmington District, Roberts Lake Dam showcases the importance of private ownership in maintaining water resource management in the region. Its history, design, and purpose all contribute to the overall resilience of the area against potential flooding, making it a noteworthy site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
600 |
River Or Stream |
Barbeque Swamp |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
6cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
314cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Deep River At Moncure
|
175cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
74cfs |
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.
Roberts Lake Dam