Hinnants Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buckhorn Lake Bill Ellis Lagoon
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hinnants Lake Dam, located in Rock Ridge, North Carolina, serves primarily for irrigation purposes and also offers recreational opportunities.
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Summary
This private dam on Contentnea Creek-Tr was completed in 1954 and stands at a structural height of 15 feet with a hydraulic height of 15 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet and a normal storage of 44 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment was rated as poor during the last inspection in February 2018. With no state regulation or permitting requirements, the dam is in need of maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and there are no emergency action plans in place, raising concerns about the potential risks associated with the structure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Hinnants Lake Dam to be an interesting case study in the management and maintenance of private dams. The dam's location within the Wilmington District and its association with Contentnea Creek-Tr highlight the importance of sustainable water management practices in the region. As discussions around dam safety and infrastructure maintenance continue, the condition of Hinnants Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring the resilience of water resources in North Carolina.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
340 |
River Or Stream |
Contentnea Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Contentnea Creek Near Lucama
|
37cfs |
Little River Near Princeton
|
84cfs |
Neuse River Near Clayton
|
519cfs |
Nahunta Swamp Near Shine
|
89cfs |
Neuse River Near Goldsboro
|
895cfs |
Tar River At Nc 97 At Rocky Mount
|
192cfs |
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.
Hinnants Lake Dam