Merry Hills Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Davis Lake Dam #1 Davis Lake Dam #2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Merry Hills Lake Dam, located in Lexington, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 21 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 38 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.8 acres, drawing water from the Payne Creek-Tr river system. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is categorized as having a high hazard potential.
The dam is state-regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures. The last inspection conducted in December 2020 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in February 2011, although its adherence to current guidelines remains unclear. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its risk assessment and management measures are unspecified, leaving questions about long-term safety protocols.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Merry Hills Lake Dam to be a significant structure in the context of local water management and recreational activities. The dam's presence on the Payne Creek-Tr river system not only contributes to the region's water storage capacity but also poses a potential risk due to its high hazard potential. With regular state inspections and regulation by the NCDEQ, the dam's safety and emergency preparedness are key aspects to monitor for those interested in sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
330 |
River Or Stream |
Payne Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
58 |
Nid Storage |
38 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Merry Hills Lake Dam
Council Street Park
Hedgecock Park
Harvell Park
South Side Recreation Park
Finch Field