Morse Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Morse Lake Dam, located in Vass, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure managed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
Built in 1968, the dam stands at 25 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a length of 930 feet. The primary purpose of Morse Lake Dam is for recreation, providing a surface area of 12 acres and a storage capacity of 405 acre-feet.
State-regulated and inspected by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, Morse Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge of 150 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk level, Morse Lake Dam has not undergone recent risk management measures or updates to its emergency action plan. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam serves as a vital water resource and recreational asset for the community.
Overall, Morse Lake Dam is a crucial infrastructure for water management and recreation in Moore County, North Carolina. With its historical significance and continued role in providing leisure activities, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and risk assessment for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
930 |
River Or Stream |
Crane Ck-0s |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
405 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
6cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
Drowning Creek Near Hoffman
|
104cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
74cfs |
Deep River At Moncure
|
175cfs |
Tick Creek Near Mount Vernon Springs
|
5cfs |
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.
Morse Lake Dam