Lake Heron Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lake Heron Dam, located in Spring Lake, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1990, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 31.6 feet and has a hydraulic height of 26.2 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 366.56 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 241.04 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 23 acres.

Situated on Little Creek, the dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. Despite being classified as having low hazard potential, the dam is inspected every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in November 2016, determining its condition as fair. The dam poses no significant risk, and emergency action plans and inundation maps are not prepared currently.

Overall, Lake Heron Dam serves as a vital recreational resource for the community, offering a picturesque setting for various activities. While maintaining its fair condition and low hazard potential, the dam contributes to the conservation and management of water resources in the area, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

650

River Or Stream

Little Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

26.2

Drainage Area

119.4

Nid Storage

366.56

Structural Height

31.6

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

32
       
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.