Grove Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Grove Park Dam, also known as Springwood Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Durham, North Carolina.


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Summary

Completed in 1989, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 21.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 11 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 302 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Grove Park Dam is for recreation, providing a surface area of 74 acres for various water activities.

Despite being a privately owned dam, Grove Park Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a high hazard potential, the dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, last inspected in August 2016. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary to Little Lick Creek, within the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and falls under the jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory agencies.

With its strategic location and importance for recreation, Grove Park Dam represents a significant water resource in the region. Its compliance with state regulations and satisfactory condition ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors who utilize the reservoir for various recreational activities. As a key feature in the local landscape, the dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that water resources play in both environmental conservation and community well-being.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

100

River Or Stream

unnamed trib. to Little Lick C

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

74

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

1408

Nid Storage

302

Structural Height

21.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
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.