Pate Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pate Lake Dam, located in Crossway, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure built in 1945 for recreational purposes along Joes Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 13 feet and a hydraulic height of 9 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 65 acre-feet. The dam spans 510 feet in length and covers a surface area of 15 acres, making it a picturesque destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Despite being privately owned, Pate Lake Dam is subject to state inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. The last inspection was conducted in February 2008, indicating a need for updated assessments and risk management measures to be put in place. While the dam does not fall under federal jurisdiction, its significance as a recreational structure warrants continued monitoring and maintenance to prevent any potential risks or hazards.

As a beloved part of the Richmond County landscape, Pate Lake Dam serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community. With its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings, the dam provides a haven for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to appreciate the beauty of this man-made structure, efforts to ensure its safety and functionality remain paramount for the preservation of this cherished destination.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

510

River Or Stream

Joes Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

78

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.