Coachman Trail Lake Dam Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Coachman Trail Lake Dam Upper, located in Wake County, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated on Cedar Creek, this dam stands at a hydraulic height of 31 feet and a structural height of 37 feet, with a length of 510 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 136 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 180 acre-feet, serving as a recreational resource for the community.

The dam is state regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with inspection, permitting, and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and compliance. Despite being deemed as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in November 2019 was satisfactory. With a hazard potential classification of High, the dam remains a focal point for water resource management and climate enthusiasts, with risk assessment and management measures being essential components for its continued operation.

As an integral part of the local water infrastructure, Coachman Trail Lake Dam Upper plays a crucial role in managing water resources and providing recreational opportunities for residents. With its location on Cedar Creek and its significant storage capacity, the dam serves as a key asset for the community, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance, inspection, and risk management to ensure its long-term viability and safety.

Dam Length

510

River Or Stream

Cedar Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

95

Nid Storage

180

Structural Height

37

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

37
       
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.