Durhams Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Durhams Lake Dam, located in Wayne County, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1920 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Situated on Yellow Marsh Branch, this dam has a hydraulic height of 10.6 feet and a structural height of 12.7 feet, with a length of 600 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 93 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 112 acre-feet, serving an area with a drainage area of 2240 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment has been rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in October 2016. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unknown, raising concerns about its readiness in case of emergencies. With no state regulation or permitting in place, there is a need for increased monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of Durhams Lake Dam for both recreational activities and the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
600 |
River Or Stream |
Yellow Marsh Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Hydraulic Height |
10.6 |
Drainage Area |
2240 |
Nid Storage |
112 |
Structural Height |
12.7 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Neuse River Near Goldsboro
|
602cfs |
Bear Creek At Mays Store
|
98cfs |
Little River Near Princeton
|
84cfs |
Nahunta Swamp Near Shine
|
34cfs |
Neuse River At Kinston
|
864cfs |
Contentnea Creek Near Lucama
|
37cfs |
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.
Durhams Lake Dam