Creeson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Creeson Lake Dam stands as a vital structure along Leak Fork Creek-Tr, serving primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Owned privately, this earth dam boasts a hydraulic height of 25.6 feet and a structural height of 29.2 feet, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres. Despite its modest dimensions, the dam's high hazard potential and poor condition underscore the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety.

Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, Creeson Lake Dam is subject to state regulations and enforcement, with inspections conducted every two years. The dam's location within Forsyth County further highlights its importance as a key component of the local water resource infrastructure. The dam's close proximity to urban areas emphasizes the critical role it plays in flood control and water management in the region, especially given its maximum discharge capacity of 24 cubic feet per second.

While offering recreational opportunities for the community, Creeson Lake Dam's condition assessment and hazard potential underscore the need for continued vigilance and proactive risk management measures. As climate change impacts water resources and extreme weather events become more frequent, ensuring the safety and integrity of dams like Creeson Lake Dam is crucial to protecting lives and property in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Dam Length

288

River Or Stream

Leak Fork Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

25.6

Drainage Area

154

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

29.2

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

29
       
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.