White Oak Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

White Oak Lake Dam, also known as Lake Cramer Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Wake, North Carolina.


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Summary

This dam on Simmons Branch serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and also provides recreational opportunities. With a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a structural height of 16 feet, it stands as a vital component in managing water resources in the area.

Despite its importance, White Oak Lake Dam has been assessed to have a high hazard potential and poor condition as of the last inspection in January 2020. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk management measures remain unclear, raising concerns about its ability to withstand potential threats. With the dam being state-regulated and regularly inspected, there is a hope that necessary improvements will be made to ensure its safety and effectiveness for both flood control and recreational purposes.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, attention to structures like White Oak Lake Dam is crucial in understanding the complexities of managing water flow and mitigating risks in changing environmental conditions. With its location in the Wilmington District and oversight by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, the future of White Oak Lake Dam will depend on proactive maintenance and risk mitigation strategies to safeguard both the local community and the surrounding natural environment.

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

Simmons Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

333

Nid Storage

20

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

High

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.