Lake Mcphaul Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Mcphaul Dam, located in Raeford, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure built in 1964 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, with a length of 650 feet and a storage capacity of 262 acre-feet. Situated on Rockfish Creek, the dam serves as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking water-based activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Lake Mcphaul Dam has not been regulated or permitted by the state. While inspections have been conducted in the past, the last one dating back to August 2012, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place. With a drainage area of 608 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 133 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and mitigating flood risks.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of monitoring and maintaining dams like Lake Mcphaul Dam becomes increasingly vital. With its scenic surroundings and recreational offerings, the dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human enjoyment of natural resources and the need for responsible stewardship to ensure the safety and sustainability of water systems for future generations.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

650

River Or Stream

Rockfish Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

608

Nid Storage

262

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.