Lake Pinehurst Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Pinehurst Dam, located in Moore, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a hydraulic height of 38 feet and a structural height of 48 feet, serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a normal storage capacity of 2500 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 3050 acre-feet. The dam impounds Horse Creek, creating a surface area of 60 acres and a drainage area of 2420 square miles.

Despite its scenic recreational offerings, Lake Pinehurst Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition as of the last inspection in January 2021. With a history dating back to its completion year that remains unspecified, the dam requires frequent inspections every two years to ensure public safety. Additionally, the dam lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and has not been updated to meet current guidelines, raising concerns about its preparedness in case of emergencies.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, enthusiasts and stakeholders monitoring Lake Pinehurst Dam should advocate for improved maintenance and safety measures to mitigate risks associated with its aging structure and potential hazards. Engaging with regulatory agencies and the dam owner to address the dam's poor condition and lack of emergency preparedness is crucial to ensure the safety and sustainability of this important water resource for future generations.

Dam Length

1900

River Or Stream

Horse Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

60

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

2420

Nid Storage

3050

Structural Height

48

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

48
       
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.