Pope Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pope Lake Dam, located in Guilford County, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

The dam is primarily used for recreation purposes, offering a serene retreat for water enthusiasts in the area. With a hydraulic height of 26.7 feet and a structural height of 34.7 feet, Pope Lake Dam provides a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet, making it an essential resource for water management in the region.

Managed by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, Pope Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition, according to the last assessment in November 2016. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the risk associated with the structure is considered moderate, with appropriate risk management measures in place.

While Pope Lake Dam may not be a high-profile structure, its role in providing recreational opportunities and contributing to water resource management in the area is significant. With its solid design, regular inspections, and state oversight, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively while maintaining a moderate level of risk. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pope Lake Dam is a noteworthy example of responsible dam management and environmental stewardship in action.

Dam Length

221

River Or Stream

Kings Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

26.7

Nid Storage

83

Structural Height

34.7

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.