Sinclair Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sinclair Lake Dam, located on the Little Coharie Creek in Sampson, North Carolina, is a state-owned earth dam with a primary purpose of "Other." The dam has a hydraulic height of 11 feet and a structural height of 15 feet, with a total length of 630 feet.
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Summary
It provides a normal storage capacity of 704 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 960 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 160 acres with a drainage area of 6720 square miles.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and its condition being labeled as "Not Rated," Sinclair Lake Dam was last inspected in May 2012. In terms of regulation and oversight, the dam is not state-regulated, but does undergo state inspections. With no emergency action plan in place and no recent risk assessments conducted, the dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness are unclear. However, its location in a rural area and low hazard potential may alleviate some concerns for residents and water resource enthusiasts in the surrounding area.
Overall, Sinclair Lake Dam serves as a key structure in managing water resources and protecting against flooding in the region. Its state ownership and operation, along with its relatively low hazard potential, make it an important component of the local water infrastructure. However, increased monitoring and updated emergency preparedness plans may be necessary to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of the dam in the face of changing climate patterns and potential natural disasters.
Dam Length |
630 |
River Or Stream |
Little Coharie Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
160 |
Hydraulic Height |
11 |
Drainage Area |
6720 |
Nid Storage |
960 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
711cfs |
Neuse River Near Goldsboro
|
1460cfs |
Black River Near Tomahawk
|
668cfs |
Middle Creek Near Clayton
|
54cfs |
Little River Near Princeton
|
84cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
263cfs |
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.
Sinclair Lake Dam