Cross Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cross Lake Dam, located in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, is a private earth dam constructed in 1820 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a structural height of 17 feet and a hydraulic height of 10 feet, the dam impounds Brown Creek, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 9,216 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply management for the surrounding area.

Despite its age, Cross Lake Dam has a high hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in December 2020. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps preparedness remain unclear. However, with a maximum discharge capacity of 99 cubic feet per second and a storage volume of 163 acre-feet, the dam continues to serve its intended recreational and water management purposes effectively. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Cross Lake Dam to be a fascinating example of early dam engineering and the intersection of human infrastructure with natural ecosystems.

Year Completed

1820

Dam Length

672

River Or Stream

Brown Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

9216

Nid Storage

163

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
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.