Boyd Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Boyd Lake Dam, located in Hamlet, North Carolina, was completed in 1945 and serves as a recreational water resource for the community.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for recreation, is classified as an earth dam with a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 15 feet. It has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 65 acres, with a drainage area of 2880 acres.

The dam, situated on Marks Creek, has a maximum discharge of 20 cubic feet per second and a hazard potential rated as high. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in January 2021. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation map preparation, and risk assessment information are not available at this time, indicating potential areas for further evaluation and improvement in the management of this vital water resource.

With its picturesque location and role in providing recreational opportunities, Boyd Lake Dam stands as a significant feature in Richmond County, North Carolina. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, there is an opportunity to delve deeper into the dam's operational aspects, safety measures, and risk management strategies to ensure its continued functionality and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

425

River Or Stream

Marks Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

2880

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

High

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.