Falls Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Falls Lake Dam, located in Wake, North Carolina, is a crucial structure managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers to reduce flood risks downstream on the Neuse River.


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Summary

Completed in 1981, the earth dam stands at 92 feet in height and has a storage capacity of over 1 million acre-feet. While the dam greatly reduces flood risks, there are rare but possible events where extreme rainfall could challenge its capacity, leading to potential overtopping and breaching. In such cases, the auxiliary spillway comes into play to divert excess water and minimize the impact on downstream communities.

To manage these risks effectively, the USACE implements various measures, including close coordination with weather agencies, regular inspections, and continuous risk assessments. The dam's Emergency Action Plan is regularly updated, and emergency materials are stockpiled on-site to address potential erosion issues. Additional instrumentation and communication efforts with downstream populations are also planned to enhance the dam's overall safety and flood risk reduction capabilities. Despite the moderate risk classification, the USACE remains vigilant in monitoring and improving the dam's resilience to extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

1915

Dam Height

92

River Or Stream

NEUSE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11310

Hydraulic Height

88

Drainage Area

770

Nid Storage

1020980

Structural Height

92

Outlet Gates

Roller - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

92
       
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.