Peterson Lake Dam Lower Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Peterson Lake Dam Lower, located in Rockingham, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1979 for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 20.8 feet and a structural height of 25.6 feet, with a length of 400 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 41 acre-feet. It is situated on the Haw River-Tr and serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area, with a drainage area of 106 square miles.

Despite its age, Peterson Lake Dam Lower has been well maintained, with a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in February 2016. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating a moderate level of risk associated with its operation. While it does not have a state regulatory agency overseeing its operations, the dam is regularly inspected to ensure its safety and functionality. Overall, Peterson Lake Dam Lower plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities through irrigation in the region, highlighting the importance of proper dam management and maintenance in water resource conservation and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

Haw River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

20.8

Drainage Area

106

Nid Storage

41

Structural Height

25.6

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.