Lake Unity Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Unity Dam, also known as Cardinal Lake, is a private dam located in Durham, North Carolina, specifically in the city of Falls.


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Summary

Completed in 1956, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 24 feet and has a hydraulic height of 18.25 feet. It serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 88.4 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Chunky Pipe Creek-Tr river and is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of February 2019, Lake Unity Dam provides a safe and enjoyable environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam has a regular inspection frequency of 5 years to ensure its continued structural integrity. While no associated structures or spillways are reported, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps preparedness are currently unspecified. As a private entity, Lake Unity Dam remains an essential feature in the local water resource infrastructure, offering both recreational opportunities and potential benefits for the surrounding community.

Located in a picturesque setting, Lake Unity Dam is an integral part of the water management system in Durham, North Carolina. As a privately owned structure with a focus on recreation, the dam provides a tranquil retreat for visitors while serving as a regulated and inspected asset by the state. Its historical significance, combined with its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring this dam to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all who visit.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

Chunky Pipe Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18.25

Nid Storage

88.4

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
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.