Episcopal Church Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Episcopal Church Lake Dam, located in Mariposa, North Carolina, is a privately owned dam on Crooked Creek with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam is regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 28 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5 acres.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Episcopal Church Lake Dam is rated as being in fair condition based on the most recent inspection in October 2020. The dam has not undergone any significant modifications since its completion, and it does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. The surrounding area does not have inundation maps prepared or a risk assessment conducted, indicating potential areas for improvement in terms of emergency response preparedness.

Overall, Episcopal Church Lake Dam serves as a key recreational feature in the Lincoln County area, but its maintenance and emergency preparedness measures could be strengthened to enhance safety and risk management. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to stay informed about the condition and regulatory oversight of dams like Episcopal Church Lake Dam to ensure the continued protection of surrounding communities and natural resources.

River Or Stream

Crooked Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

56

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.