Cumberland Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cumberland Lake Dam, also known as Crystal Springs Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, along Buckhead Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1929, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 65 acres and a storage capacity of 240 acre-feet. The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 12 feet, with a length of 300 feet. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in November 2020, and is classified as having a high hazard potential.

Situated within Cumberland County, the dam presents a significant risk due to its condition assessment being marked as 'Not Rated'. The area it serves covers a drainage area of 5024 acres, with a maximum discharge capacity of 112 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not received a hazard rating, its emergency action plan status and risk assessment remain unknown. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find Cumberland Lake Dam an intriguing site due to its historical significance, potential risks posed by its high hazard potential, and lack of recent assessments and risk management measures in place. Further exploration and monitoring of this dam could provide valuable insights into its resilience and potential impacts on the local environment and community.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

Buckhead Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

5024

Nid Storage

240

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

12
       
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.