Baker Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gregory Lake Dam Jernigan Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Baker Lake Dam, located in Erwin, North Carolina, was completed in 1959 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
The dam is privately owned and has a low hazard potential, with a structural height of 14 feet and a hydraulic height of 10 feet. The reservoir created by the dam has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9 acres. The dam is situated on Thorton Creek and is not regulated by the state.
Despite not being state-regulated, Baker Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in January 2008. The dam has not been rated for its condition, but it is considered to have a low hazard potential. While it does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place or updated inundation maps, the dam meets the necessary guidelines for safety measures. With its location in a picturesque setting and its importance for irrigation and water supply, Baker Lake Dam remains a vital structure in the area, serving both practical and recreational purposes for the community.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
440 |
River Or Stream |
Thorton Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
711cfs |
Middle Creek Near Clayton
|
54cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
263cfs |
Swift Creek Near Mccullars Crossroads
|
7cfs |
Swift Creek Near Apex
|
9cfs |
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.
Baker Lake Dam