Wesleyan Youth Camp Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Randolph, North Carolina, the Wesleyan Youth Camp Lake Dam is a private earth dam primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, this 24-foot high dam holds back the waters of Little Caraway Creek-Tr, creating a 64-acre reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in November 2014.

With a maximum discharge capacity of 165 cubic feet per second, the Wesleyan Youth Camp Lake Dam provides a serene setting for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam's surrounding surface area covers 6 acres within a drainage area of 51 acres, offering ample space for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Despite being non-federally regulated, the dam is inspected periodically to ensure its safety and functionality, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3 indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Wesleyan Youth Camp Lake Dam serves as a fascinating example of a privately owned recreational structure that harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings. As a key feature of the Farmer community, this dam not only provides a source of leisure for visitors but also contributes to the ecological diversity and water management of the region. With its earth construction and stone core, the dam stands as a testament to sustainable engineering practices and the importance of maintaining a balance between human enjoyment and environmental stewardship in water resource management.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

516

River Or Stream

Little Caraway Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

51

Nid Storage

64

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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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.