Castleberry Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Castleberry Lake Dam, located in Bells, Chatham County, North Carolina, is a private earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this dam stands at a structural height of 20 feet and has a hydraulic height of 16 feet. With a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet, it serves the local community by providing a serene and picturesque lake for recreational activities.

Situated on the White Oak Creek-Tr river system, Castleberry Lake Dam covers a surface area of 10 acres and has a drainage area of 410 acres. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition since its last inspection in 2002. With a maximum discharge capacity of 139 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and ensuring safety in the surrounding area.

Although not under state jurisdiction or regulation, Castleberry Lake Dam remains an important structure for the local community. As an enthusiast of water resources and climate, exploring the history, design, and purpose of this dam can provide valuable insights into the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship in managing our natural resources.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

540

River Or Stream

White Oak Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

410

Nid Storage

160

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.