Massengill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Massengill Dam, also known as Eagle Ridge Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Wake County, North Carolina, specifically in Walerville Street.


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Summary

This earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes and is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. With a hydraulic height of 27 feet and a structural height of 30 feet, the dam has a NID storage capacity of 82 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 64 acre-feet.

Despite its recreational significance, Massengill Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been rated as being in poor condition during its last inspection in December 2020. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in October 2004, raising concerns about its current emergency preparedness measures. Its inspection frequency is set at 2 years, highlighting the importance of regular assessments and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in North Carolina may find Massengill Dam to be a fascinating case study due to its unique location and design, as well as the challenges it faces in terms of safety and maintenance. Its association with the Swift Creek-Tr river system adds to its ecological significance, making it a key site for monitoring and conservation efforts in the region. Further research and attention to the dam's condition and risk management strategies could provide valuable insights into the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental sustainability in the area.

Dam Length

500

River Or Stream

Swift Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

27

Nid Storage

82

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
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.