Hammond Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hammond Lake Dam in Wake, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure constructed in 1964 for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Situated on Hodges Creek, this earth dam has a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, with a length of 550 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 70 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 211 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Hammond Lake Dam's condition assessment was rated as poor during its last inspection in January 2019. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections, with a frequency of every 5 years. With its close proximity to Milburnie and a surface area of 3 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in providing irrigation, recreation, and water supply to the surrounding area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the engineering and management of dams will find Hammond Lake Dam a compelling case study. With its outdated condition assessment and poor structural condition, there is a pressing need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure the safety and longevity of this important water resource infrastructure in Wake County.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

550

River Or Stream

Hodges Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

211

Nid Storage

84

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.