Earp Lake Dam, located in Clayton, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1967 primarily for irrigation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at a structural height of 30 feet, with a hydraulic height of 25 feet, and has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. It spans 516 feet in length and covers a surface area of 6 acres, serving a drainage area of 32 square miles along the Neuse River.
Despite its age, Earp Lake Dam has been subject to regular state inspections and enforcement measures by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. However, recent assessments have deemed the dam to be in poor condition with a high hazard potential. The last inspection in January 2021 revealed the need for improvements to meet safety standards and mitigate risks associated with potential failure.
With its critical role in irrigation and recreational activities, the condition of Earp Lake Dam underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management efforts to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the sustainability of water resources in the area. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, addressing the dam's structural concerns and hazard potential becomes increasingly urgent for safeguarding both the dam's integrity and the local ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
516 |
River Or Stream |
Neuse River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
32 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
30 |