Macgregor Downs Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Macgregor Downs Lake Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community.


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Summary

Completed in 1948, this earth-type dam on Swift Creek offers a serene setting for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and picnicking. With a maximum storage capacity of 486 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 400 acre-feet, the dam provides a picturesque backdrop for water enthusiasts to enjoy.

Managed by the local government, Macgregor Downs Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 35 feet, ensuring its stability and functionality for the surrounding area. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains satisfactory, ensuring the safety of those who frequent the area.

As a popular destination for outdoor recreation, Macgregor Downs Lake Dam serves as a key landmark in the region. With its rich history and ongoing maintenance efforts, this dam continues to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and explore.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

960

River Or Stream

Swift Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

486

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

35
       
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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.