Lake Wade Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Wade Dam, located in Lawsonville, North Carolina, is a private earth dam constructed in 1960 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated on Jones Creek, the dam has a hydraulic height of 7 feet and a structural height of 15 feet, with a length of 600 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 480 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 41.1 acres, serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities and water sports.

Despite being privately owned, Lake Wade Dam is subject to state inspections, with the last assessment conducted in December 2014. The dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition. With a maximum discharge of 660 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and providing recreational opportunities for the surrounding community.

While the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have associated structures such as locks or outlet gates, it continues to be a key feature in the area's landscape. With its picturesque location and important role in water management, Lake Wade Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

600

River Or Stream

Jones Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

41.1

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

7173

Nid Storage

480

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.