Fair Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Blue Lake Dam X Way Millpond Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Fair Lake Dam, located in Dillon Sc, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure on Gum Swamp Creek that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1952, the earth dam stands at a structural height of 14 feet and has a hydraulic height of 8 feet, with a length of 521 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 8 acres, with a drainage area of 1683 acres.
Despite its recreational value, Fair Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The last inspection in December 2020 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, prompting a need for frequent monitoring and maintenance. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, ensuring that state inspections, permitting, and enforcement are in place to mitigate risks and protect surrounding communities.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts should take note of Fair Lake Dam as a critical infrastructure in Scotland County, North Carolina. With its aging structure and high hazard potential, it underscores the importance of proper dam maintenance and regulatory oversight in safeguarding water resources and reducing climate-related risks in the region.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
521 |
River Or Stream |
Gum Swamp Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
1683 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Shoe Heel Creek Nr Laurinburg
|
82cfs |
Lumber River Near Maxton
|
372cfs |
Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville
|
2460cfs |
Drowning Creek Near Hoffman
|
181cfs |
Pee Dee R Nr Rockingham
|
1830cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
104cfs |
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.
Fair Lake Dam