Rankin Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wall Lagoon Upper Firetower Road Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Rankin Lake Dam, located in North Carolina, stands as a vital water resource for the community.
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Summary
Completed in 1958, this earth dam spans 345 feet in length and reaches a hydraulic height of 15 feet, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. With a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow along the Little Mountain Creek-Os, ensuring the safety and well-being of the surrounding areas.
State-regulated and inspected, Rankin Lake Dam has been deemed to have a high hazard potential, yet maintains a fair condition assessment as of January 2021. With a maximum discharge capacity of 82 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for flood control and water management efforts in the region. Despite its age, the dam continues to be a reliable resource, meeting state permitting and enforcement requirements to ensure its operational effectiveness and safety.
With its picturesque location in Richmond County, Rankin Lake Dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also serves as a crucial piece of infrastructure for water resource management. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the dam remains a vital asset for the community, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
345 |
River Or Stream |
Little Mountain Creek-Os |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
58 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pee Dee R Nr Rockingham
|
1810cfs |
Drowning Creek Near Hoffman
|
216cfs |
Little River Near Star
|
10cfs |
Rocky River Near Norwood
|
556cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
138cfs |
Big Shoe Heel Creek Nr Laurinburg
|
91cfs |
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.
Rankin Lake Dam