Lochmere Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lochmere Dam, also known as Lynn's Branch Impoundment, is a private-owned structure located in Wake, North Carolina.
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Summary
Completed in 1985, this earth-type dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 70 acres and a storage capacity of 728 acre-feet. With a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a structural height of 26 feet, the dam poses a high hazard potential but is currently rated as satisfactory in condition assessment as of December 2019.
Managed by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Lochmere Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam overlooks Lynn's Branch, a tributary of the Cape Fear River, and is situated within the Wilmington District. Despite not having associated locks or spillways, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are unclear based on the available data.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lochmere Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned structure designed for recreational use in North Carolina. Its location, design characteristics, and regulatory oversight highlight the importance of proper dam safety management in ensuring public safety and environmental protection. As concerns over climate change and extreme weather events continue to grow, understanding the management and maintenance of dams like Lochmere becomes crucial for sustainable water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
700 |
River Or Stream |
Lynn'S Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
70 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
728 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lochmere Dam