Snyder Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Snyder Dam, located in Wake, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 23 feet, the dam spans a length of 200 feet and has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as indicated by a recent assessment in November 2018.

Richland Creek-Tr flows through this dam, which is managed by the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While the dam does not fall under state jurisdiction or regulation, it is subject to periodic inspections to ensure public safety. With a normal storage capacity of 42 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 999 cubic feet per second, Snyder Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control for the surrounding area.

Given its location and recreational purpose, Snyder Dam serves as both a valuable water resource and a potential risk in the event of a failure. The dam's current poor condition highlights the importance of regular maintenance and inspection to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure the safety of the community. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor the condition of dams like Snyder Dam to protect both human lives and the environment.

Dam Length

200

River Or Stream

Richland Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

134

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

23
       
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.