Silver Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Crystal Lake Dam Buffalo Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Silver Lake Dam, located in Harnett, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam, with a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 27 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 237.6 acre-feet of water from the Oak Branch river. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.
The dam, standing at a length of 1101 feet and covering a surface area of 22 acres, is equipped with a spillway but lacks information on its type and width. The last inspection in February 2021 deemed its condition as fair, with a hazard potential rated as high. While the dam does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, it is subject to regular inspections and a prescribed emergency action plan to ensure public safety in case of a breach. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Silver Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in private dam management and the importance of regulatory oversight in mitigating potential risks associated with dam infrastructure.
Dam Length |
1101 |
River Or Stream |
Oak Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
237.6 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River At Manchester
|
154cfs |
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
6cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
472cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
74cfs |
Deep River At Moncure
|
180cfs |
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.
Silver Lake Dam