Underwood Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Wake, North Carolina, the Underwood Dam is a privately owned structure on Walnut Creek-Tr that serves a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 14 feet, the dam spans a length of 210 feet and has a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet. Despite its recreational value, the dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as unsatisfactory during the last inspection in December 2020.

Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, the Underwood Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Although the dam's condition is deemed unsatisfactory, there are currently no modifications or risk management measures in place. With its close proximity to Seabrook Road in Wake County, the Underwood Dam serves as a vital recreational resource while also highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and safety measures to mitigate potential risks associated with its operation.

Dam Length

210

River Or Stream

Walnut Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.1

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

30

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.