Bells Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bells Lake Dam in Wake, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

The dam, located in Macks Village, serves primarily for recreational purposes along the Middle Creek-Tr river. With a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a structural height of 16 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 8 acres for recreational activities.

Despite its low hazard potential, Bells Lake Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition during its last inspection in November 2019. The dam, with a drainage area of 77 square miles, is in need of maintenance and potential improvements to ensure its long-term safety and functionality. With an inspection frequency of every five years, the regulatory agency oversees the dam's enforcement and compliance with state regulations to mitigate any risks associated with its operation.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the condition and management of structures like Bells Lake Dam is crucial for sustainable water use and environmental conservation. By being informed about the status of dams like this one, enthusiasts can advocate for necessary actions to preserve and enhance these vital water resources for both recreational enjoyment and ecological balance in North Carolina.

Dam Length

630

River Or Stream

Middle Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

77

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.