Richardson Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: East Hamlett Lake Dam Woodman Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Richardson Lake Dam, located in Worthville, North Carolina, serves as a vital recreational resource for the community.
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Summary
Completed in 1951, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a structural height of 15 feet, with a length of 475 feet. With a storage capacity of 45 acre-feet, the dam primarily caters to recreational purposes, offering a serene 7-acre surface area for leisure activities.
Despite its scenic appeal, Richardson Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, with an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of April 2021. State-regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Energy, Mining, and Land Resources, the dam undergoes biennial inspections to ensure its safety and compliance. The dam's location along Hasketts Creek-Tr highlights its importance in managing water resources and maintaining environmental balance within Randolph County.
Water and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the complex regulatory framework surrounding Richardson Lake Dam, as well as the ongoing efforts to address its safety concerns. With its historical significance and recreational value, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human enjoyment and environmental stewardship in water resource management.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
475 |
River Or Stream |
Hasketts Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
219 |
Nid Storage |
45 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Richardson Lake Dam