Laurel Thicket Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Arnolds Lake Dam Lake Trace
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Laurel Thicket Pond Dam, located in Lee, North Carolina, is a private earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a structural height of 16.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 14.5 feet, this dam plays a significant role in the management of the Upper Little River-Tr. With a storage capacity of 16.5 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.5 acres, this dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential, although its condition is currently assessed as fair.
Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Laurel Thicket Pond Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam has had its last inspection in January 2021 and is scheduled for regular inspections every two years to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam's hazard potential underscores the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any risks associated with its operation.
With its location in a beautiful natural setting, Laurel Thicket Pond Dam offers recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the crucial role of dams like this in providing both recreational benefits and potential hazards that must be managed effectively to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.
Dam Length |
180 |
River Or Stream |
Upper Little River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
14.5 |
Nid Storage |
16.5 |
Structural Height |
16.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
|
49cfs |
Deep River At Moncure
|
277cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
711cfs |
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
7cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
263cfs |
Tick Creek Near Mount Vernon Springs
|
4cfs |
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.
Laurel Thicket Pond Dam