Crystal Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crystal Lake Dam, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1947, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, stretching 360 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, it serves as a beloved spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Crystal Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, requiring biennial inspections to ensure public safety. The dam overlooks the Ena River-Tr, offering a surface area of 9 acres for recreational activities. Owned by a private entity, the dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources Dam Safety Program, emphasizing the importance of state oversight in managing water resources.

With a drainage area of 550 acres and a maximum discharge of 135 cubic feet per second, Crystal Lake Dam plays a vital role in the local ecosystem. Its risk management measures and emergency action plans ensure preparedness for any potential incidents, aligning with modern safety standards. Water and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the beauty and functionality of this dam while recognizing the importance of maintaining infrastructure for sustainable water resource management.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

360

River Or Stream

Eno River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

550

Nid Storage

100

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

20
       
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.