Cattail Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cattail Lake Dam, located in Hares Crossroads, North Carolina, was completed in 1937 and serves as a vital resource for fish and wildlife conservation and recreation in the area.
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Summary
Owned privately, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 940 acre-feet of water from Cattail Creek. With a surface area of 60 acres and a drainage area of 6362 square miles, the dam plays a significant role in maintaining the local ecosystem.
Despite being privately owned, Cattail Lake Dam is subject to state inspections and has been determined to be in satisfactory condition as of December 2017. With a hazard potential deemed as significant, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment remain unspecified. The dam's primary purpose as a fish and wildlife pond highlights its importance in supporting the local ecosystem and providing a recreational space for residents and visitors alike. As a significant structure in the area, continued monitoring and maintenance are crucial to ensure its safety and functionality for the surrounding community and wildlife.
Cattail Lake Dam's role in water resource management and conservation in Johnston County, North Carolina, underscores its importance in balancing environmental preservation with recreational activities. With no state regulatory oversight, the dam's private ownership necessitates responsible stewardship to uphold its function and integrity. As a key component of the local landscape, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human infrastructure and natural resources, serving as a landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the complex relationship between dams, wildlife conservation, and recreational opportunities in the region.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
125 |
River Or Stream |
Cattail Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
60 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
6362 |
Nid Storage |
940 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Cattail Lake Dam
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Whitley Park
Robertson Millpond Preserve