Newcomb Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Newcomb Lake Dam, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a private earth dam completed in 1942 primarily for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a structural height of 15 feet, with a length of 400 feet. It has a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 55 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 20 acres and serving a drainage area of 1472 acres. The dam poses a high hazard potential but was deemed to be in satisfactory condition during the last assessment in March 2021.

Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, the Newcomb Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. It is situated on Seven Mile Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the NC Department of Environmental Quality and Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, it is inspected biennially to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, but its risk assessment and management measures are currently unspecified.

Despite its high hazard potential, Newcomb Lake Dam remains a popular spot for recreational activities in Durham. With its serene surroundings and ample storage capacity, the dam provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based leisure activities. While maintaining the dam's safety and integrity is crucial, it also serves as a valuable resource for the local community and visitors alike who enjoy spending time in and around the picturesque Newcomb Lake.

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

Seven Mile Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

1472

Nid Storage

94

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

15
       
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.