College Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the College Lake Dam was completed in 1963 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a structural height of 20 feet with a hydraulic height of 12 feet, provides a storage capacity of 317 acre-feet. However, recent assessments have classified the dam with a high hazard potential and poor condition, raising concerns for its safety.

The dam, situated on the Cape Fear River-Os, has not been regulated or permitted by the state, and lacks necessary enforcement measures. Despite undergoing inspections, the last conducted in February 2021, there is an urgent need for improvements to meet safety standards. With a history of no modifications or risk assessments, the College Lake Dam poses a potential threat to the surrounding area in the event of a breach.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate should monitor the College Lake Dam closely, advocating for necessary upgrades and regulatory oversight to mitigate the risks associated with its current condition. As a critical infrastructure for recreation, the dam's safety is paramount to protect the community and environment it serves.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

565

River Or Stream

Cape Fear River-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

317

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.