Daniel Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Daniel Dam, located in Wake, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

The dam, constructed for recreational purposes, stands at a hydraulic height of 27 feet and spans a length of 320 feet. With a storage capacity of 26 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres, the dam poses a low hazard potential but is currently in poor condition, as assessed during the last inspection in February 2019.

Despite its state-regulated status, Daniel Dam lacks certain critical information such as its completion year and specific drainage area. The dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment also appear to be incomplete or outdated. However, its location along the Terrible Creek-Tr provides a valuable resource for local water enthusiasts and climate advocates interested in monitoring its condition and potential impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

With the oversight of the NCDEQ and the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, continued monitoring and maintenance of Daniel Dam are essential to ensure its long-term safety and sustainability as a recreational and environmental asset in Wake County. Enthusiasts passionate about water resources and climate resilience will find value in supporting efforts to improve the dam's condition and emergency preparedness to mitigate any potential risks to the local community and ecosystem.

Dam Length

320

River Or Stream

Terrible Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

27

Nid Storage

26

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
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.