Earp Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Earp Lake Dam, located in Clayton, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1967 primarily for irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

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
       
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.