Knightdale Estates Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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


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Summary

This earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes along the Neuse River-Tr, offering a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet and a maximum hydraulic height of 14 feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor as of January 2019, raising concerns about its long-term safety and maintenance.

The dam's structural height of 18 feet and surface area of 6 acres make it a key feature in the local landscape, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts. However, the lack of recent updates on its completion year, drainage area, and spillway type poses challenges for assessing its overall risk management measures. With a history of state inspections and enforcement, the Knightdale Estates Dam stands as a reminder of the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance of vital water infrastructure.

As the community continues to enjoy the recreational benefits provided by Knightdale Estates Dam, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive risk assessment and management plan to address its current condition and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. With a focus on enhancing emergency preparedness and adherence to regulatory guidelines, stakeholders can work together to safeguard this essential water resource for future generations to come.

River Or Stream

Neuse River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

57

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.