Patterson Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sizemore Lake Dam Kennedy Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Patterson Lake Dam, located in Randolph, North Carolina, was completed in 1945 and serves as a recreational source for water enthusiasts.
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Summary
The dam is privately owned and regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, ensuring its compliance with state standards for inspection, enforcement, and permitting. With a structural height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 23 feet, Patterson Lake Dam boasts a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres, drawing water from the Bodoom Creek.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2018, Patterson Lake Dam remains a vital component of water resource management in the area. Its maximum discharge capacity of 148 cubic feet per second ensures efficient water flow control, contributing to flood prevention and environmental stability. With its primary purpose being recreation, the dam offers a picturesque setting for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities, making it a popular destination for climate and water resource enthusiasts alike.
As a key feature in the Wilmington District of North Carolina, Patterson Lake Dam stands as a testament to effective dam design and management, offering both recreational benefits and essential water control functions. Its historical significance, coupled with its modern regulatory oversight and maintenance, ensures the continued enjoyment and safety of visitors and residents who rely on its presence for leisure and environmental sustainability.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
320 |
River Or Stream |
Boodom Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
70 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Patterson Lake Dam