Lucas Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lucas Lake Dam, situated in Farmer, North Carolina, serves as a crucial water supply structure for the region, with a primary purpose of providing water.


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Summary

Constructed in 1947, this concrete gravity dam stands at a structural height of 64 feet, holding a storage capacity of 6840 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 236 acres. Back Creek is the river it impounds, with a drainage area of 10045 acres.

Maintained and regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, Lucas Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its critical role in water supply management. Despite this, its condition assessment as of February 2020 was deemed fair, with a regular inspection frequency of every 2 years. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unspecified, indicating a potential area for future focus and improvement in emergency preparedness.

Lucas Lake Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Randolph County, North Carolina. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, continued monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to ensure its structural integrity and resilience in the face of potential climate challenges and emergency situations.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

375

River Or Stream

Back Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

236

Hydraulic Height

57

Drainage Area

10045

Nid Storage

6840

Structural Height

64

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

64
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.