Discovery Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Discovery Lake Dam, also known as Lake Drew Dam or Niehs Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Durham, North Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1978, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 30 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Burdens Creek-Tr river. With a storage capacity of 336 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating the potential hazard of high flooding in the region.

Managed and regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, Discovery Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains satisfactory as of the latest inspection in February 2021. Emergency action plans are in place, although last reviewed in 2015, to guide response efforts in the event of a breach or failure. With its critical role in flood risk reduction, Discovery Lake Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Discovery Lake Dam to be a significant structure in Durham, North Carolina, contributing to the overall flood risk reduction efforts along the Burdens Creek-Tr river. As a privately owned dam with a high hazard potential, its maintenance, inspection, and emergency preparedness are key components in ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and the environment. With a history dating back to 1978 and ongoing regulatory oversight by the NCDEQ, Discovery Lake Dam stands as a crucial piece of infrastructure in the region's water management system.

Year Completed

1978

River Or Stream

Burdens Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

336

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
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.