Horseshoe Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Broadwell Lake Dam Smith Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Located in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, the Horseshoe Lake Dam stands as a crucial structure along Ellis Creek, serving primarily for recreational purposes since its completion in 1962.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 8 feet and a structural height of 10 feet, this earth dam boasts a dam length of 300 feet and a storage capacity of 2,304 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam has not been regulated by the state and does not require permitting for operation.
The Horseshoe Lake Dam offers a serene recreational setting with a maximum discharge capacity of 36 cubic feet per second, catering to water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking a tranquil escape in Bladen County. With a drainage area of 3,072 acres and a normal storage capacity of 1,920 acre-feet, the dam provides a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors to explore the surrounding natural beauty. Although it has not undergone recent modifications or inspections since 2013, the dam's overall risk assessment remains relatively low and manageable.
Maintaining a vital role in the local ecosystem, the Horseshoe Lake Dam continues to serve as a valuable asset for the community, offering a peaceful retreat for outdoor recreation and environmental appreciation. As a significant feature within the Wilmington District, this earth dam exemplifies the harmonious balance between human enjoyment and ecological preservation, showcasing the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
300 |
River Or Stream |
Ellis Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
3072 |
Nid Storage |
2304 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cape Fear R At Wilm O Huske Lock Nr Tarheel
|
1070cfs |
Big Swamp Nr Tarheel
|
55cfs |
Black River Near Tomahawk
|
281cfs |
Lumber River At Lumberton
|
510cfs |
Lumber River At Boardman
|
819cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
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.
Horseshoe Lake Dam