Silver Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Silver Lake Dam, also known as Tryon Road Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Wake, North Carolina.


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Summary

The dam, built for recreational purposes, is classified as an earth dam with a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 16 feet. It has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres along the Swift Creek-Tr river.

Despite its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, Silver Lake Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. It undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in October 2017. The dam is equipped with emergency action plans to ensure public safety in case of any incidents.

With its location in a residential area and the potential risk it poses, Silver Lake Dam serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of proper dam maintenance and monitoring in the face of changing climate conditions. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the balance between recreational benefits and the need for responsible management to ensure the safety and sustainability of this essential infrastructure.

Dam Length

360

River Or Stream

Swift Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.