Ragsdale Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ragsdale Lake Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Constructed in 1978 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 23 feet, with a length of 230 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and spans across the Honeycutt Creek-Tr river/stream.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, Ragsdale Lake Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam is state-regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures. While the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the last inspection took place in 2000, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years to monitor its integrity.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Ragsdale Lake Dam an intriguing site due to its recreational significance and the balance it strikes between potential risks and management measures. With its picturesque location and historical significance as a part of the local watershed, this dam serves as a vital component in the ecosystem while also being subject to ongoing regulatory oversight to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

230

River Or Stream

Honeycutt Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.