Hester Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hester Lake Dam, located in Bagley, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure built in 1940 for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Situated along the Little River-Tr, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 12 feet with a hydraulic height of 8 feet, and a length of 2270 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 45 acre-feet, serving as a low hazard potential structure.

While the dam has not been rated for its condition, it has undergone inspection in February 1980, with no state regulation or permitting requirements. Despite its age, Hester Lake Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for the community, offering a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore. With its low hazard potential and historical significance, the dam remains an integral part of the landscape in Wake County, North Carolina.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

2270

River Or Stream

Little River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

736

Nid Storage

54

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.