Drake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Drake Dam, located in Valley Hill, North Carolina, is a private earth dam completed in 1950 primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 18 feet and a hydraulic height of 17 feet, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the 14-acre reservoir created by the structure. The dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of March 2017, Drake Dam presents a significant hazard potential due to its location and design. Emergency action plans are crucial for dams like Drake to mitigate risks and ensure public safety in case of emergencies. The dam does not have associated locks, spillways, or outlet gates, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to prevent potential issues that could arise from its aging infrastructure.

As a key feature in the local water resource system, Drake Dam plays a vital role in providing recreational opportunities and water storage capacity for the surrounding area. Its historical significance and continued use highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and management to ensure its long-term functionality and safety for both residents and visitors alike.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

280

River Or Stream

UT to Finley Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

14

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.