Hester Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mangum Pond Nye Lake Dam #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Butner, North Carolina, Hester Lake Dam #1 is a privately owned structure designed for irrigation purposes, with recreational use also noted.
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Summary
Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet and spans 390 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 70 acre feet. Situated on Camp Creek, the dam is regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement requirements.
With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2019, Hester Lake Dam #1 poses minimal risk to its surrounding area. The dam has a history of meeting safety guidelines and has not required modifications in recent years. While the specifics of its spillway type and width are not provided, the dam's maximum discharge capacity is recorded at 152 cubic feet per second, indicating its ability to handle potential overflow events effectively.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the ecological significance of Hester Lake Dam #1, as it plays a vital role in supporting irrigation and recreational activities while maintaining a low risk profile. Its location on Camp Creek in Durham County underscores the importance of responsible dam management and oversight by state regulatory agencies. As a key feature in the local water infrastructure, this dam exemplifies the balance between human needs and environmental stewardship in the management of water resources.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
390 |
River Or Stream |
Camp Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Hester Lake Dam #1