Wainwright Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Edmondson Lake Dam Woodards Pond
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wainwright Lake Dam, located in Stantonsburg, North Carolina, was completed in 1978 by the USDA NRCS and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a structural height of 16 feet and has a hydraulic height of 11 feet, with a length of 250 feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and has been assessed to be in fair condition as of February 2018.
The dam's reservoir has a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 15 acres. The maximum discharge from the dam is 829 cubic feet per second, with an uncontrolled spillway type. Despite being privately owned, the dam is subject to state inspections and is not regulated by the state. The risk assessment for Wainwright Lake Dam indicates a moderate risk level, with no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared as of the latest data update in May 2021.
Overall, Wainwright Lake Dam stands as a significant structure in the Toisnot Swamp-Tr watershed, providing vital water resources for irrigation and recreation. With its unique design features and moderate risk profile, ongoing monitoring and management measures will be crucial to ensure the safety and sustainability of this important water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
250 |
River Or Stream |
Toisnot Swamp-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
11 |
Nid Storage |
58 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nahunta Swamp Near Shine
|
57cfs |
Contentnea Creek Near Lucama
|
37cfs |
Tar River At Nc 97 At Rocky Mount
|
240cfs |
Little River Near Princeton
|
84cfs |
Contentnea Creek At Hookerton
|
466cfs |
Tar River At Tarboro
|
418cfs |
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.
Wainwright Lake Dam