Rochelle Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rochelle Lake Dam, also known as Lake Williams Dam, is a crucial structure located in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this earth dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with additional benefits for recreational activities. The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 27 feet, with a length of 450 feet, and a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet.

Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. With a significant hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition, with the last inspection carried out in April 2002. Despite this, the dam plays a vital role in water resource management, with a drainage area of 550 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 303 cubic feet per second.

Located on the Roanoke River-Os, Rochelle Lake Dam is a key component of the region's water infrastructure, providing essential irrigation water and recreational opportunities for the community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Rochelle Lake Dam are crucial to ensure their safety and functionality for the future.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

450

River Or Stream

Roanoke River-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

550

Nid Storage

130

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
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.