Lake Michael Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Michael Dam, located in Haw River, North Carolina, is a crucial part of the region's water supply infrastructure.


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Summary

Built in 1952, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 40 feet and a structural height of 50 feet, with a length of 500 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 720 acre-feet, providing water for the surrounding area's needs.

With a drainage area of 1,664 acres, Lake Michael Dam has a high hazard potential and is under the regulatory oversight of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam's condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in December 2020, with a hazard potential rating of high. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of water supply effectively.

As a water resource and climate enthusiast, Lake Michael Dam's role in supplying water to the local community and its regulatory oversight by the state make it an intriguing subject. The dam's design and capacity, along with its historical significance and current condition, showcase the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure for water resources in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

500

River Or Stream

Back Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

100

Hydraulic Height

40

Drainage Area

1664

Nid Storage

864

Structural Height

50

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

50
       
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.