Cantrell Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cantrell Lake Dam, located in Dunns Rock, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 41 feet and a structural height of 44.5 feet. It impounds Dunn's Creek and offers a surface area of 0.5 square miles for recreational activities.

Despite its recreational appeal, the dam poses a significant hazard due to its poor condition, as assessed in 2013. With no state regulation or permitting, the dam has not undergone recent modifications or inspections, raising concerns about its safety and potential risks. The dam's storage capacity of 7 acre-feet makes it crucial to monitor its structural integrity and implement necessary risk management measures to ensure public safety and prevent potential disasters.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Cantrell Lake Dam a fascinating case study of a privately owned recreational dam with a significant hazard potential. As it stands in a state with limited regulatory oversight, the dam's condition and safety remain a concern, highlighting the importance of regular inspections, risk assessments, and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and water resources.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

163

River Or Stream

Dunns Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.5

Hydraulic Height

41

Nid Storage

7

Structural Height

44.5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

45
       
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.