Phelps Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Lagrange, North Carolina, Phelps Lake Dam, also known as Bear Creek W/S Dam#15, is a private-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS to primarily reduce flood risks in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1962, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 19.3 feet with a hydraulic height of 8.3 feet, serving the purpose of flood risk reduction and recreation. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 73 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 330 cubic feet per second, providing essential water resource management for the surrounding community.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk rating, Phelps Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition but underwent its last inspection in March 2016. Despite not being regulated by the state, the dam is inspected periodically to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, it serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water flow along Bear Creek-Tr, covering a drainage area of 838 acres. As a key element in the region's flood risk reduction strategy, Phelps Lake Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and environmental conservation efforts in Greene County, North Carolina.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

855

River Or Stream

Bear Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

8.3

Drainage Area

838

Nid Storage

465

Structural Height

19.3

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.