Colony Lake, located in Orange County, North Carolina, is a man-made recreational reservoir constructed in 1988.
Wind
Humidity
The dam, standing at 26 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 20 feet, serves as a vital water resource for the area, providing 48 acre-feet of storage capacity. With a surface area of 4.6 acres, Colony Lake offers a tranquil setting for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking, making it a popular destination for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, Colony Lake has a high hazard potential due to its location on the Little Creek-Tr stream. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure the dam's structural integrity, with the most recent assessment in December 2019 rating its condition as satisfactory. Despite the potential risks associated with the dam, Colony Lake remains a safe and enjoyable destination for the community, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape while engaging in various water-based activities.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, the conservation and proper management of reservoirs like Colony Lake are essential to ensure sustainable water supply and mitigate potential hazards. With its recreational focus and regulatory oversight, Colony Lake stands as a model for responsible dam management, embodying the balance between human enjoyment of water resources and the need for safety and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
400 |
River Or Stream |
Little Creek-Tr |
Surface Area |
4.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
48 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
26 |