Sparger Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Sparger Lake Dam, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a private earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam has a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a structural height of 14.6 feet, with a total length of 200 feet. It impounds the Richland Creek-Tr river and has a normal storage capacity of 5 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 9 acre-feet.
Despite being privately owned, Sparger Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement requirements. The dam has a high hazard potential and was last assessed to be in fair condition as of April 2020. Its emergency action plan was last revised in May 2015, and it has an inspection frequency of every 2 years.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may be interested in the unique characteristics of Sparger Lake Dam, its role in providing recreational opportunities, and the regulatory oversight it falls under to ensure public safety. With its location in Guilford County, North Carolina, and its association with the Richland Creek-Tr river, this dam presents an intriguing case study for those interested in the intersection of water management, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.
Dam Length |
200 |
River Or Stream |
Richland Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
143 |
Nid Storage |
9 |
Structural Height |
14.6 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Sparger Lake Dam