Crystal Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buffalo Lake Dam Silver Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Crystal Lake Dam, located in Spring Lake, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Situated on Little Bridge Creek, this earth-type dam stands at a hydraulic height of 23 feet with a structural height of 25 feet and a length of 675 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 258 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 229 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 12 acres.
Despite its fair condition assessment as of February 2021, Crystal Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, prompting biennial inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, the dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols. With a history of modifications undisclosed, the dam lacks detailed risk assessment and management measures, underscoring the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks associated with its operation.
In the event of emergencies, the dam's Emergency Action Plan status and adherence to guidelines remain unspecified, raising concerns about preparedness and response protocols. As a vital component of the local water resource management system, Crystal Lake Dam serves as a focal point for water and climate enthusiasts interested in understanding the interplay between recreational infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and risk management in safeguarding critical water resources within the Harnett County region.
Dam Length |
675 |
River Or Stream |
Little Bridge Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
258 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River At Manchester
|
161cfs |
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
6cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
314cfs |
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
74cfs |
Deep River At Moncure
|
175cfs |
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.
Crystal Lake Dam