Murry-Jerome Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Murry-Jerome Lake Dam, located in Sarecta, North Carolina, has been serving primarily for irrigation purposes since its completion in 1950.


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Summary

This privately owned earth dam stands at a structural height of 15 feet, with a hydraulic height of 11 feet, and a length of 500 feet. Its storage capacity is 63 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 198 cubic feet per second. The dam is situated on the Beaver Dam Branch-Tr river, within the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of October 2015 was rated as poor. It has not been state regulated or permitted, but does undergo regular inspections. The dam has a history of modifications, with associated structures and outlet gates. The emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures for Murry-Jerome Lake Dam are currently unknown, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and reliability for both irrigation and recreational purposes.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Murry-Jerome Lake Dam will find its historical significance, structural characteristics, and operational details fascinating. With its location in Duplin County, North Carolina, this earth dam represents a vital infrastructure for water management in the region. However, the poor condition assessment and lack of regulatory oversight raise concerns about the dam's long-term sustainability and the need for proactive risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

500

River Or Stream

Beaver Dam Branch-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

63

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.