Lassiter Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Four Oaks, North Carolina, Lassiter Lake Dam is a private irrigation structure built in 1920 with a primary purpose of supporting agricultural activities.
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Summary
The dam, with a structural height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 10 feet, controls the flow of water from the Sassarita Swamp-Tr river, providing a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. The reservoir created by the dam covers an area of 15 acres and serves as a source of water for irrigation and recreational activities.
Despite being privately owned, Lassiter Lake Dam is subject to state inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a significant hazard potential, yet its condition assessment in 2017 deemed it satisfactory. With a history dating back to the early 20th century, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting local agriculture and providing a recreational space for the community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Lassiter Lake Dam will be essential in managing and conserving water for various needs in the region.
As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, Lassiter Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study of a historic earth dam that continues to serve its intended purposes efficiently. From its modest height of 12 feet to its storage capacity of 62 acre-feet, the dam represents a blend of engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship. With ongoing inspections and a satisfactory condition assessment, Lassiter Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
564 |
River Or Stream |
Sassarita Swamp-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
62 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Lassiter Lake Dam