Gresham Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gresham Lake Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure built in 1939 for recreational purposes along the Perry Creek.


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Summary

Standing at a hydraulic height of 30 feet with a structural height of 35 feet and a length of 1100 feet, the dam provides a surface area of 65 acres and a drainage area of 2400 acres. With a maximum storage capacity of 1755 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 1200 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate impact mitigation in the region.

Maintained and regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Gresham Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential but has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of December 2020. The dam undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety. While the dam does not feature a spillway or outlet gates, it serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation in the surrounding area.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the role of dams like Gresham Lake Dam in managing and storing water becomes increasingly significant. With its history dating back over 80 years and its strategic location along Perry Creek, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

1100

River Or Stream

Perry Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

2400

Nid Storage

1755

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.