Ledbetter Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ledbetter Lake Dam, located in Ledbetter, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Originally completed in 1880, this concrete dam stands at a height of 35 feet with a hydraulic height of 27 feet. With a storage capacity of 8,100 acre-feet and a surface area of 313 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in the water management of Hitchcock Creek.

Despite its age, Ledbetter Lake Dam has been regularly inspected by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, with the most recent assessment in January 2021 rating its condition as fair. With a high hazard potential, this dam is closely monitored to ensure the safety of surrounding communities in the event of an emergency. The dam also has a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, although it was last revised in 2013.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be fascinated by the history and engineering behind Ledbetter Lake Dam, as well as its importance in providing recreational opportunities and water management in the area. The collaboration between private ownership and state regulatory agencies ensures that this vital structure continues to meet safety standards and serve its intended purposes effectively.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

600

River Or Stream

Hitchcock Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

313

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

53776

Nid Storage

8100

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

35
       
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.