Hidden Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Hidden Lake Dam, also known as Thomas Lake Dam and Cedar Lake Dam, is a private dam located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1974, the dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes along Brandy Creek. Standing at a structural height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 18 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 863 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 720 acre-feet.

Owned privately, the Hidden Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2018, the dam is inspected every five years to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and supporting agricultural activities through irrigation.

Situated in Franklin County, the Hidden Lake Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water management in the area. With its strategic location and purpose, the dam contributes to the sustainable use of water resources along Brandy Creek, showcasing the importance of private ownership in maintaining and operating critical water infrastructure for the community's benefit amid changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

1000

River Or Stream

Brandy Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

863

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.