Lake Hamilton Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lake Hamilton Dam, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a significant earth dam with a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a structural height of 25.72 feet.
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Summary
Built in 1931 for recreational purposes, the dam stands proudly along Buffalo Creek-Tr, offering a serene and picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a normal storage capacity of 94 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 110 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 10.7 acres and serves a drainage area of 268 square miles.
Despite its fair condition assessment, Lake Hamilton Dam poses a high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam has been regulated and permitted by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring state jurisdiction and enforcement. With its last inspection conducted in January 2021 and an inspection frequency of every 2 years, the dam's safety and integrity remain a top priority for its private owners.
As a vital recreational structure in Guilford County, Lake Hamilton Dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources and outdoor activities for the community. Its historical significance, combined with its natural beauty and potential risks, makes it a captivating site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate. With ongoing monitoring and adherence to safety guidelines, Lake Hamilton Dam continues to stand as a symbol of both leisure and responsibility in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1931 |
Dam Length |
384 |
River Or Stream |
Buffalo Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
268 |
Nid Storage |
110 |
Structural Height |
25.72 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Lake Hamilton Dam