Shadow Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shadow Lake Dam, located in Whispering Pines, North Carolina, stands as a pivotal structure along the Little River-Tr, serving as a recreational hub in the region.


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Summary

Built in 1967, this earth dam reaches a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 29 feet, with a length of 650 feet and a storage capacity of 364 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is recreation, offering a surface area of 25.4 acres and normal storage of 257 acre-feet for visitors to enjoy.

Maintained by private owners, Shadow Lake Dam falls under state jurisdiction and regulation, with North Carolina's DEMLR Dam Safety Program overseeing permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite a fair condition assessment in 2016, the dam poses a low hazard potential. Emergency action plans are in place, with the last revision dating back to November 2019. With its picturesque setting and vital role in local water resource management, Shadow Lake Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

650

River Or Stream

Little River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25.4

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

696

Nid Storage

364

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.