Carolina Lakes Dam #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Carolina Lakes Dam #2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Carolina Lakes Dam #1, also known as Mertle Bay Dam, is a privately owned structure in Harnett, North Carolina, designed for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1985, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 27 feet, with a length of 2000 feet. With a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet, it serves multiple purposes including irrigation, recreation, and water supply.
The dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations. Despite being assessed as having a high hazard potential, the condition of the dam is rated as fair as of February 2021. With an inspection frequency of every two years, the structure is closely monitored to mitigate any potential risks and ensure its continued functionality.
Located along Reedys Creek-Tr in North Carolina, Carolina Lakes Dam #1 plays a crucial role in providing water resources for the surrounding area. With its strategic design and purpose, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for irrigation and water storage, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of climate change and increasing water demands.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
2000 |
River Or Stream |
Reedys Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Lake Carolina