Van Arsdale Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Van Arsdale Lake Dam, located in Spring Lake, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1976 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This dam, standing at a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a structural height of 25 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 36 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres. The dam is situated on the Little River-Os, within the jurisdiction of Moore County, North Carolina.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment during its last inspection in 2013, Van Arsdale Lake Dam is not regulated or permitted by the state of North Carolina. It does, however, undergo regular state inspections. With no associated structures and no emergency action plan in place, it is essential to ensure that this dam continues to be monitored and maintained to prevent any potential risks or hazards that may arise. Additionally, the dam's discharge capacity and spillway specifications are not provided in the data, leaving room for further investigation and evaluation of its safety and functionality.

As a recreational dam, Van Arsdale Lake Dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts in the area. Its construction and design are tailored towards providing a leisurely environment for visitors to enjoy water-based activities in a picturesque setting. With its relatively small size and storage capacity, the dam may not be as prominent as other structures in the region, but it still plays a significant role in offering recreational opportunities for the local community.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

Little River-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

27

Nid Storage

36

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.