Old Crescent Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Old Crescent Lake Dam, located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 13.1 feet and a structural height of 16.5 feet, the dam sits on the Poplar Branch river and offers a serene surface area of 7 acres for water enthusiasts. The dam has a storage capacity of 47 acre-feet and serves as a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
Despite its recreational appeal, Old Crescent Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential with an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of December 2019. The dam has not been inspected in over a year, raising concerns about its safety and maintenance. With a drainage area of 250 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, making regular inspections and maintenance a priority to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of properly maintaining dams like Old Crescent Lake Dam becomes increasingly vital. With its proximity to residential areas and the potential for high hazard, stakeholders must prioritize regular inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness to mitigate any potential threats posed by the dam. Investing in the upkeep and safety of this recreational structure will not only benefit the local community but also contribute to sustainable water resource management in the face of climate challenges.
Dam Length |
520 |
River Or Stream |
Poplar Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.1 |
Drainage Area |
250 |
Nid Storage |
47 |
Structural Height |
16.5 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Neuse River Near Goldsboro
|
602cfs |
Bear Creek At Mays Store
|
98cfs |
Little River Near Princeton
|
84cfs |
Nahunta Swamp Near Shine
|
34cfs |
Neuse River At Kinston
|
864cfs |
Contentnea Creek Near Lucama
|
37cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Old Crescent Lake Dam