Parkwood Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Parkwood Lake Dam in Parkwood, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure built in 1962 primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Situated on Northeast Creek, the dam has a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 25 feet, with a length of 500 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 205 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 318 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 448 acres.

Despite being privately owned, Parkwood Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, with state-mandated inspections and enforcement measures in place. The dam's hazard potential is categorized as high, but its current condition is assessed as satisfactory as of the most recent inspection in February 2021. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, indicating potential areas for improvement in emergency preparedness.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Parkwood Lake Dam an interesting case study due to its recreational focus, regulation by state agencies, and high hazard potential. The dam's location on Northeast Creek and its impact on the surrounding environment make it a relevant topic for those interested in the intersection of water management, infrastructure safety, and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

500

River Or Stream

Northeast Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

448

Nid Storage

318

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
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.