Isley Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Isley Lake Dam, located in Alamance County, North Carolina, is a private dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Standing at a hydraulic height of 22.8 feet and a structural height of 26 feet, this earth dam with a stone core spans 500 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. The dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, is situated on the Rocky River-Tr and is under the jurisdiction of the Wilmington District of the USACE.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment, Isley Lake Dam has not been inspected since November 2014. The condition of the dam is currently not rated, and it lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or updated emergency contacts. While the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, there are no associated structures and no state regulatory agency overseeing its operations. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate should take note of the potential risks associated with this dam and advocate for regular inspections and safety measures to ensure its structural integrity and the safety of surrounding areas.
Dam Length |
500 |
River Or Stream |
Rocky River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.86 |
Hydraulic Height |
22.8 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Isley Lake Dam