White Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
White Lake Dam, located in Lillington, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure constructed in 1975 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a hydraulic height of 46 feet and a structural height of 50 feet, is situated along the Cape Fear River-Os, providing a surface area of 3 acres for water activities. Despite its importance for recreation, the dam has been flagged with a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, indicating a need for maintenance and potential safety concerns.
Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, White Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement. The dam's last inspection in October 2020 revealed its deteriorating condition and highlighted the urgency for upkeep. With a maximum storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and a normal storage of 55.2 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in the local water resource management, making its maintenance and structural integrity vital for the surrounding community and environment.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the significance of White Lake Dam lies not only in its recreational value but in its role in water storage and management along the Cape Fear River-Os. The dam's current state of disrepair underscores the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and potential upgrades to ensure its continued functionality and safety. With the dam's high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, efforts to address these issues are imperative to safeguard both the dam's integrity and the community downstream that may be at risk in the event of a failure.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
500 |
River Or Stream |
Cape Fear River-Os |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
46 |
Nid Storage |
55.2 |
Structural Height |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
50 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
711cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
263cfs |
Middle Creek Near Clayton
|
54cfs |
Swift Creek Near Mccullars Crossroads
|
7cfs |
Swift Creek Near Apex
|
9cfs |
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.
White Lake Dam