Petty Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Petty Lake Dam, also known as Bucher Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Redwood, Durham, North Carolina.


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Summary

Completed in 1962, this earth dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with additional benefits for recreation. Standing at 25 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 21 feet, the dam spans 780 feet and has a storage capacity of 131 acre-feet. Situated on the Neuse River-Tr, it covers a surface area of 13.1 acres and drains a watershed area of 141 square miles.

Despite its age, Petty Lake Dam has been regularly inspected, with the most recent assessment in February 2020 rating its condition as fair and hazard potential as low. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state standards for safety and operation. While there are no associated locks or spillways, the dam's design and construction have proven effective in managing water flow and storage in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Petty Lake Dam serves as a valuable example of sustainable water management practices in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

780

River Or Stream

Neuse River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.1

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

141

Nid Storage

131

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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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.