North Ridge Lake Dam Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Ridge Lake Dam Upper, located in Wake County, North Carolina, serves as a vital irrigation source for the region.


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Summary

Built in 1966, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 26 feet and stretches 650 feet in length. With a normal storage capacity of 128 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 168 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the area.

Managed by a private entity, North Ridge Lake Dam Upper is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of March 2020 was rated as satisfactory. With a drainage area of 601 acres and a maximum discharge of 369 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a key role in managing water resources in the Perry Creek watershed.

While primarily serving irrigation purposes, the dam also provides opportunities for recreation in the area. With a surface area of 15 acres, North Ridge Lake Dam Upper contributes to the local ecosystem and enhances the quality of life for residents in Raleigh and beyond. As a significant water resource infrastructure, the dam highlights the importance of sustainable management practices and ongoing monitoring to ensure its safety and effectiveness in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

650

River Or Stream

Perry Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

601

Nid Storage

168

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.