Jernigan Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Langdon Pond Dam Baker Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Jernigan Lake Dam, located in North Carolina's Harnett County, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 10 feet and has a hydraulic height of 8 feet, with a length of 108 feet. The dam stores water from Stuart Creek-Tr, providing a maximum storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a normal storage of 42 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition since its last inspection in 2008.
Situated in the city of Turlington, Jernigan Lake Dam has a surface area of 11 acres and serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities. With a drainage area of 627 square miles and a maximum discharge of 297 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. While it is not regulated by the state, the dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community.
In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Jernigan Lake Dam stands as a modest yet significant infrastructure for both recreational and water management purposes. Its history, design, and capacity offer insights into the intersection of human intervention and natural systems, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in harnessing and preserving vital water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
108 |
River Or Stream |
Stuart Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
627 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
711cfs |
Middle Creek Near Clayton
|
54cfs |
Swift Creek Near Mccullars Crossroads
|
7cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Neuse River Near Clayton
|
384cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
263cfs |
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.
Jernigan Lake Dam