Austin Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Austin Lake Dam, located in Smithfield, North Carolina, stands as a pivotal structure along the White Oak Creek, boasting a significant hydraulic height of 12.5 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1900, this concrete dam serves multiple purposes, including recreation and storage, with a normal storage capacity of 185 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the dam has not been regulated by the state and lacks a state permitting process.

With a structural height of 15.5 feet and a length of 100 feet, Austin Lake Dam holds a storage capacity of 296 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 37 acres. The dam has a drainage area of 8,704 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 82 cubic feet per second. Although it has not been modified in recent years, the dam's last inspection in November 2017 highlighted its fair condition, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure safety and prevent potential risks to the surrounding community.

As one of the key landmarks in Johnston County, Austin Lake Dam's presence showcases the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. Despite its private ownership and lack of state regulation, the dam's role in providing essential storage and recreational opportunities underscores the importance of ongoing assessment and risk management measures to safeguard both the structure and the environment it serves.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

100

River Or Stream

White Oak Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

37

Hydraulic Height

12.5

Drainage Area

8704

Nid Storage

296

Structural Height

15.5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
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.