Privette Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Privette Lake Dam #1, located in Wake County, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure primarily serving recreational purposes while also supporting water supply needs.


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Summary

Built in 1949, this earth-type dam stands at a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 30 feet, with a length of 1375 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 11 acres for recreational activities. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 132 cubic feet per second, with a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in January 2018.

This dam on Moccasin Creek-Tr offers a peaceful getaway in the city of Rock Ridge, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based recreational activities. Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Privette Lake Dam #1 undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. With a history of serving the community for over seven decades, this dam continues to play a vital role in both water resource management and outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike.

Privette Lake Dam #1 stands as a testament to responsible water resource management and sustainable recreational development in North Carolina. With its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition, this dam exemplifies the importance of proper maintenance and oversight in ensuring the safety and longevity of essential infrastructure. As a focal point for both leisure and environmental stewardship, this dam serves as a symbol of the harmonious coexistence between human needs and natural resources in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

1375

River Or Stream

Moccasin Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

180

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.