Caldwell Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Caldwell Lake, located in Harrisburg, North Carolina, is a privately-owned recreational water resource managed by the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.


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Summary

With a surface area of 4 acres and a drainage area of 25.6 acres, this earth dam structure has a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 20 feet. The lake offers a maximum storage capacity of 32 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 25.6 acre-feet.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of October 2020, Caldwell Lake poses a significant hazard potential due to its proximity to Back Creek-Tr and its significant storage capacity. The dam structure has not been modified in recent years, and its last inspection reported fair conditions. Although there is no state regulation or permitting in place for this dam, regular inspections are conducted to ensure its safety and integrity. Additionally, there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, raising concerns about emergency preparedness in case of a potential failure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Caldwell Lake offers a unique opportunity for outdoor recreation in Mecklenburg County. As a privately-owned facility with no federal funding or regulatory oversight, the lake serves as a prime example of community-managed water resources. Its location along Back Creek-Tr provides a serene setting for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. While the dam's condition is fair and its hazard potential is significant, continued monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to ensure the safety of visitors and nearby residents.

Dam Length

500

River Or Stream

Back Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

25.6

Nid Storage

32

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
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.