Ayscue Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Weldon Lake Dam Southerland Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Ayscue Lake Dam, located in Gold Rock, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for water supply purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 30 feet, with a length of 420 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 240 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 288 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water resources in the area. It is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and low hazard potential.
Situated on Dickies Creek, Ayscue Lake Dam is managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of North Carolina. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 413 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam's risk management measures are not explicitly outlined, raising questions about its emergency preparedness and response protocols. Overall, Ayscue Lake Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water supply in Vance County, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts delve into the details of Ayscue Lake Dam, they uncover a complex network of regulatory agencies, design considerations, and operational challenges that shape its role in sustaining the local ecosystem. The dam's association with the NCDEQ, DEMLR, and Dam Safety Program underscores the collaborative efforts required to ensure its safe and effective function. With a history dating back to 1970, this earth dam continues to serve as a critical piece of water infrastructure, raising awareness about the importance of proactive risk management and emergency preparedness in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
420 |
River Or Stream |
Dickies Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
288 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tar R At Us 401 At Louisburg
|
74cfs |
Tar River Near Tar River
|
29cfs |
Swift Creek At Hilliardston
|
858cfs |
Little Fishing Creek Near White Oak
|
11cfs |
Allen Creek Near Boydton
|
3cfs |
Neuse River Near Falls
|
79cfs |
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.
Ayscue Lake Dam