Young Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Young Lake Dam, located in Dunn, North Carolina, on the Black River, was completed in 1870 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, with a length of 810 feet and a storage capacity of 389 acre-feet. The dam's normal storage level reaches 324 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 40 acres for recreational activities.

Despite its historical significance and recreational value, Young Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its condition being marked as "Not Rated" during the last assessment in February 2021. The dam has not been state-regulated, permitted, or enforced upon, raising concerns about its safety and maintenance. With a maximum discharge capacity of 330 cubic feet per second, the dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness are unspecified, leaving room for potential risks and safety issues for the surrounding community and environment.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts should closely monitor the condition and maintenance of Young Lake Dam, given its age, hazard potential, and recreational significance. As an unregulated private structure, the dam's risk assessment, emergency action plans, and overall safety measures should be thoroughly evaluated and updated to ensure the protection of both the dam and the surrounding area. With a historical background dating back to the 19th century, Young Lake Dam represents a blend of heritage, recreation, and potential risks that require attention and proactive management in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource dynamics.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

810

River Or Stream

Black River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

389

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

20
       
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.