Ricks Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Scott Braswell Dam Armstrong Lagoon
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ricks Lake Dam in North Carolina, located in Nash County near Gold Rock, stands as a crucial irrigation structure along the Swift Creek-Tr river system.
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Summary
Built in 1963, this earth dam reaches a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, with a length spanning 544 feet. With a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet, it primarily serves irrigation purposes for the surrounding area, boasting a normal storage capacity of 43 acre-feet.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Ricks Lake Dam presents a significant hazard potential, marked as "Fair" in its condition assessment as of 2013. The dam has not been inspected in several years, raising concerns about its current state and maintenance. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps are all outdated, suggesting a lacking in updated safety measures for potential disasters.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ricks Lake Dam serves as a notable structure in Nash County's landscape, offering insights into the region's irrigation infrastructure. However, the dam's outdated inspection records and emergency preparedness call for attention and potential updates to ensure the safety and sustainability of the surrounding area's water resources amidst changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
544 |
River Or Stream |
Swift Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Swift Creek At Hilliardston
|
858cfs |
Little Fishing Creek Near White Oak
|
13cfs |
Fishing Creek Near Enfield
|
129cfs |
Tar River At Nc 97 At Rocky Mount
|
240cfs |
Tar R At Us 401 At Louisburg
|
97cfs |
Tar River At Tarboro
|
418cfs |
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.
Ricks Lake Dam