Winona Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Winona Lake Dam, located in Thorpe Lake, North Carolina, serves as a private recreational facility along Knob Creek.


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Summary

The dam, constructed of earth materials, stands at a structural height of 13 feet, creating a surface area of 4 acres for leisure activities. While its primary purpose is recreation, the dam also holds a significant hazard potential, prompting the need for regular inspections and maintenance.

Although Winona Lake Dam is not state-regulated, it has undergone inspection in the past, with the last assessment dating back to October 1998. Despite being classified as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the dam's hazard potential underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and risk management measures. With no designated emergency action plan or updated inundation maps, there is potential for improved safety protocols to enhance the dam's resilience to various climate-related challenges.

As a key feature in the Savannah District managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Winona Lake Dam presents an opportunity for collaboration between private owners and federal agencies to ensure its long-term sustainability. By incorporating modern risk assessment tools and updating emergency protocols, the dam can continue to provide recreational enjoyment while safeguarding against potential environmental risks and climate impacts.

River Or Stream

Knob Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.