Durham Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Durham Lake Dam, located in Forsyth, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The dam, with a hydraulic height of 30 feet and a structural height of 35 feet, impounds Mill Creek-Tr, creating a surface area of 6.9 acres and a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and was last inspected in October 2014, with a fair condition assessment reported.

Managed by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Durham Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. It is located in West Bend, five miles from Wilmington District, and falls under the jurisdiction of North Carolina. Despite the absence of federal agency involvement, the dam plays a significant role in providing recreational opportunities for the local community while ensuring safety and compliance with state regulations.

With its earth dam type and a history of moderate modifications, Durham Lake Dam continues to be a vital asset for water resource management and climate resilience in the region. Its association with the Mill Creek-Tr and its strategic location highlight the importance of maintaining the dam's integrity to safeguard against potential risks and ensure sustainable water management practices for the future.

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

Mill Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.9

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

200

Nid Storage

95

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Low

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.