Lake Royale Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jeffries Lake Dam Brantley Lake Dam
Last Updated: February 24, 2026
Lake Royale Dam, also known as Lake Sagamore Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Spring Hope, North Carolina.
Summary
Completed in 1973, this earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 45 feet with a hydraulic height of 31 feet, serving primarily for recreational purposes on Cypress Creek. With a normal storage capacity of 3313 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 10260 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 330 acres within a drainage area of 17050 acres.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. Its last inspection in March 2020 affirmed its safety, but with a recommended inspection frequency of every 2 years. With a history of no modifications and no associated structures, Lake Royale Dam remains a vital resource for water supply and flood control in the region, under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency.
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Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
1500 |
River Or Stream |
Cypress Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
330 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
17050 |
Nid Storage |
10260 |
Structural Height |
45 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
45 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tar R At Us 401 At Louisburg
|
243cfs |
Contentnea Creek Near Lucama
|
35cfs |
Swift Creek At Hilliardston
|
858cfs |
Neuse River Near Falls
|
68cfs |
Tar River At Nc 97 At Rocky Mount
|
373cfs |
Little Fishing Creek Near White Oak
|
142cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lake Royale Dam