Boykin Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ballis Dam Fox Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Boykin Lake Dam, also known as Johnson Pond Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Sampson, North Carolina.
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Summary
The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes along the Great Coharie Creek, offering a serene setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. With a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, Boykin Lake Dam stands as a key feature in the area, providing a storage capacity of 510 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 37.7 acres.
Despite its recreational significance, Boykin Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam has not been inspected since November 2020, raising concerns about its safety and the potential risks it may pose to the surrounding area. The dam is under state regulation and jurisdiction, with the North Carolina Dam Safety Program overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a history of modifications and a lack of emergency action planning, the need for risk assessment and management measures is crucial to ensure the safety of the dam and the community it serves.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore Boykin Lake Dam and its surroundings in Clinton, North Carolina, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with the structure. With a focus on recreation, the dam provides a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities, but its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment highlight the importance of proactive maintenance and safety measures. As efforts are made to assess and address the risks posed by the dam, collaboration between state agencies and stakeholders is crucial to safeguard the environment and the community for future generations.
Dam Length |
850 |
River Or Stream |
Great Coharie Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
37.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
2182 |
Nid Storage |
510 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Black River Near Tomahawk
|
250cfs |
Cape Fear R At Wilm O Huske Lock Nr Tarheel
|
976cfs |
Northeast Cape Fear River Near Chinquapin
|
255cfs |
Big Swamp Nr Tarheel
|
49cfs |
Neuse River Near Goldsboro
|
602cfs |
Bear Creek At Mays Store
|
98cfs |
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.
Boykin Lake Dam