Whitley Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cobb Lake Dam Phelps Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Whitley Lake Dam, also known as Bear Creek W/S Dam #11, is a privately owned structure located in Lagrange, North Carolina.
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Summary
Constructed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Bear Creek. With a hydraulic height of 8 feet and a structural height of 21 feet, the dam has a capacity to store up to 700 acre-feet of water, covering a surface area of 58.5 acres.
Managed by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, Whitley Lake Dam is regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is deemed satisfactory as of the last assessment in December 2020. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam remains an essential piece of infrastructure for managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.
With its historical significance and vital role in flood risk reduction, Whitley Lake Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management in North Carolina. As climate change continues to impact the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the importance of well-maintained structures like Whitley Lake Dam becomes increasingly crucial in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of flooding.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
907 |
River Or Stream |
Bear Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
58.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
3027 |
Nid Storage |
700 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nahunta Swamp Near Shine
|
57cfs |
Bear Creek At Mays Store
|
98cfs |
Neuse River Near Goldsboro
|
1460cfs |
Contentnea Creek At Hookerton
|
466cfs |
Neuse River At Kinston
|
1090cfs |
Little River Near Princeton
|
84cfs |
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.
Whitley Lake Dam