Simpson Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Heron Dam Lake Lindsay
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Simpson Lake Dam, located in Moore, North Carolina, on the Little River-Tr, is a privately-owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1953, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 24 feet, with a length of 375 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 151 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 144 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 5 acres.
Despite its vital role in providing water for irrigation, Simpson Lake Dam has been flagged with a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment during its most recent inspection in February 2021. The dam is under state regulation and inspection by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, with enforcement measures in place. With a history of modification, the dam currently does not have spillway width or outlet gates specified.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Simpson Lake Dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in the region, but its high hazard potential and poor condition raise concerns about its long-term safety and viability. Monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to ensure the dam's integrity and prevent potential risks to the surrounding area. The involvement of state regulatory agencies and regular inspections underscore the importance of safeguarding this water resource for the community's irrigation needs.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
375 |
River Or Stream |
Little River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
151 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
6cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
74cfs |
Drowning Creek Near Hoffman
|
104cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
314cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
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.
Simpson Lake Dam