Keen Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Keen Lake Dam #1, located in Johnston, North Carolina, stands as a vital structure for fire protection and as a small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1900, this earth dam has a structural height of 18 feet and a length of 349 feet, providing a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Black Creek-Tr and has a drainage area of 1088 acres, with a maximum discharge capacity of 66 cubic feet per second.
Managed by a private owner, Keen Lake Dam #1 is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Dam Safety Program. The dam has been assessed as having a high hazard potential but is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in December 2020. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in 2003, with details on emergency contacts and risk management measures yet to be updated.
Despite its age, Keen Lake Dam #1 continues to serve its primary purposes effectively while being closely monitored for any potential risks or hazards. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this dam to be an essential component in the local ecosystem, providing valuable protection and recreational opportunities for the community of Four Oaks and beyond.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
349 |
River Or Stream |
Black Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
1088 |
Nid Storage |
180 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Keen Lake Dam #1