Laurel Hill Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Laurel Hill Lake Dam in North Carolina, completed in 1958, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess.


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Summary

Situated in the picturesque town of Laurel Hill, the dam serves a primary purpose of recreation, offering a serene and tranquil setting for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With a structural height of 14 feet and a hydraulic height of 12 feet, the dam creates a beautiful lake with a normal storage capacity of 96 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 115 acre-feet.

The dam, located on Undermine Branch in Scotland County, North Carolina, is owned privately and is not regulated by the state. Despite its low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam has undergone regular state inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a surface area of 18 acres and a length of 407 feet, Laurel Hill Lake Dam offers a peaceful escape for residents and visitors, while also serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding community.

Although not under the jurisdiction of a state regulatory agency, Laurel Hill Lake Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities and support the local ecosystem. While its design and construction details are not specified, the dam remains a vital part of the region's landscape and a beloved destination for those seeking a connection to nature and water resources.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

407

River Or Stream

Undermine Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

115

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.