Snyder Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Snyder Lake Dam, located in Davidson, North Carolina, was completed in 1959 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a structural height of 22 feet with a hydraulic height of 19 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Brushy Fork Creek-Tr and covers a drainage area of 205 acres.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam has not been state regulated or permitted. It undergoes periodic inspections, with the last one conducted in December 2013. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently unknown. With its unique location and multi-functional design, Snyder Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in private dam management and regulatory oversight.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

348

River Or Stream

Brushy Fork Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

205

Nid Storage

70

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.