Lexington Storage Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Lexington Storage Reservoir Dam, also known as City Lake, is a vital water supply structure located in Davidson, North Carolina.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a structural height of 28 feet and a hydraulic height of 20 feet, was completed in 1934 to serve the primary purpose of water supply. With a maximum storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 72 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in meeting the water needs of the surrounding area.

Situated on Leonard Creek, the Lexington Storage Reservoir Dam covers a surface area of 9 acres and drains a watershed area of 4,320 acres. Although the dam has a hazard potential classified as high, its condition assessment is deemed fair as of the last inspection in November 2019. The dam is state-regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets rigorous inspection, enforcement, and permitting standards to maintain its structural integrity and the safety of the community it serves.

With its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century, the Lexington Storage Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to monitor and support the continued maintenance and regulation of dams like these to ensure a sustainable and secure water supply for future generations.

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

700

River Or Stream

Leonard Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

4320

Nid Storage

110

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

28
       
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.