Nicholas Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nicholas Lake Dam, located in High Rock, North Carolina, is a local government-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1969, serves primarily for recreational purposes along Persimmon Creek and features an earth core with stone foundations. With a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 27 feet, the dam offers a maximum storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and a normal storage of 92 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 9 acres.

Although deemed to have low hazard potential, Nicholas Lake Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam is inspected every 5 years, with the last assessment in September 2017, where its condition was listed as "Not Rated." The spillway type is uncontrolled, with uncontrolled outlet gates, and the dam has not been modified in recent years. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are currently unknown, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of its surrounding community and water resources.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

595

River Or Stream

Persimmon Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

110

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.