The Lakes Lower Dam, located in Wake, North Carolina, is a private-owned structure regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program.
Wind
Humidity
Situated on the Big Branch stream, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 17 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 41 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5 acres, draining an 83-acre watershed.
With a high hazard potential but assessed as fair in condition, The Lakes Lower Dam underwent its last inspection in December 2020, with a frequency of two inspections per year. Despite lacking specific information on its construction year, the dam continues to provide essential recreational opportunities and water resource management for the local community. As climate change impacts water resources, maintaining and monitoring dams like The Lakes Lower Dam becomes increasingly crucial to ensure public safety and ecological sustainability in the face of changing conditions.
Dam Length |
480 |
River Or Stream |
Big Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
83 |
Nid Storage |
41 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
17 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Durant Nature Park
|
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William B. Umstead State Park
|
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Blue Heron Campground
|
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Osprey Nest Campground
|
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Bootleg Point Campground
|
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Shoreline Campground
|