Lake Hughes Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Hughes Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, was completed in 1948 and serves as a recreational water resource along Beaverdam Creek.


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Summary

The dam, primarily owned by a private entity, stands at a structural height of 35 feet with a hydraulic height of 32 feet, providing a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition as of the last inspection in December 2019.

With a surface area of 7 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 330 cubic feet per second, Lake Hughes Dam offers opportunities for water-based activities and enjoys state regulation, permitting, and inspection by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program. The dam's purpose is solely for recreation, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts in the area. Although the dam's condition is deemed poor, its risk assessment and management measures are currently not available, indicating a potential area for further evaluation and improvement.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan status and readiness remain unclear, highlighting the need for updated protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of surrounding communities. With its historical significance and importance for local recreation, Lake Hughes Dam presents both challenges and opportunities for enhancing water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

450

River Or Stream

Beaverdam Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

32

Nid Storage

123

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Low

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.