Swan Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Southern Pines, North Carolina, Swan Lake Dam stands as a vital structure on Aberdeen Creek, serving primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam boasts a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 12 feet, with a length of 325 feet. The dam provides a maximum storage capacity of 24 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 18 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 5 acres and draining an area of 218 acres.
Despite its fair condition assessment as of October 2020, Swan Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, prompting biennial inspections to ensure its safety and regulatory compliance. The dam falls under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities. While the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, it remains crucial for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate conservation can appreciate Swan Lake Dam's role in providing recreational opportunities while also recognizing the importance of maintaining its integrity and safety. As a key component of the local watershed, this earth dam serves as a reminder of the careful balance required to manage water resources effectively and mitigate potential risks associated with aging infrastructure. Monitoring and stewardship efforts are essential to ensure the continued functionality and resilience of Swan Lake Dam in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Dam Length |
325 |
River Or Stream |
Aberdeen Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
218 |
Nid Storage |
24 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Drowning Creek Near Hoffman
|
181cfs |
Flat Creek Near Inverness
|
7cfs |
Rockfish Creek At Raeford
|
104cfs |
Little River At Manchester
|
263cfs |
Little River Near Star
|
16cfs |
Lumber River Near Maxton
|
372cfs |
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.
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