West Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Lake Dam, located in Stantonsburg, North Carolina, was completed in 1950 for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 14.15 feet and a structural height of 21.45 feet, this earth dam stands at 300 feet long and has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. The dam also serves recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 6 acres for visitors to enjoy.

Owned privately, West Lake Dam is not regulated by the state and has a low hazard potential. While it has not been rated for its condition since its last inspection in 2008, the dam meets safety guidelines and is equipped with emergency action plans. The dam's location on the Aycock Swamp-Tr River, under the jurisdiction of the Wilmington District, provides valuable water resources for the surrounding area, ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation and recreational activities.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, West Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam with a dual purpose of irrigation and recreation. Its historical significance and contribution to water management in Wayne County, North Carolina, make it a noteworthy structure worth exploring further in the context of sustainable water resource utilization and climate adaptation efforts.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

Aycock Swamp-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

14.15

Nid Storage

53

Structural Height

21.45

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.