Thurlow Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Thurlow Lake Dam, located in Vass, North Carolina, was completed in 1956 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 35 feet and a structural height of 38 feet, with a length of 1500 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 396 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 420 acre-feet, Thurlow Lake Dam covers a surface area of 15 acres along Crane Creek.
Despite its crucial role in irrigation, Thurlow Lake Dam presents a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of November 2020. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. With a history of modifications undisclosed, Thurlow Lake Dam remains a significant structure in the Wilmington District, posing a potential risk that requires careful monitoring and management to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Thurlow Lake Dam stands as a key feature in the landscape of Moore County, North Carolina, with its strategic location along Crane Creek. Its history, purpose, and condition underscore the importance of maintaining and ensuring the structural integrity of such essential water management infrastructures in the face of changing environmental conditions and increasing water demands. As efforts continue to address the dam's poor condition and high hazard potential, stakeholders and regulators work together to safeguard the community and the environment from the potential risks associated with Thurlow Lake Dam.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
1500 |
River Or Stream |
Crane Ck-Os |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Nid Storage |
420 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
38 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
7cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
263cfs |
Drowning Creek Near Hoffman
|
181cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
104cfs |
Deep River At Moncure
|
277cfs |
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.
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