Betts Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Betts Pond Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam stands at a hydraulic height of 17.5 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, with a length of 700 feet and a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources, Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Betts Pond Dam is currently in fair condition, as assessed in November 2019. The dam has an inspection frequency of every two years and has an emergency action plan in place, although it was last revised in 1991. With its proximity to urban areas in Wake County, it is crucial for the dam to be properly maintained and monitored to mitigate risks associated with its potential failure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Betts Pond Dam to be an interesting case study in dam safety and management within the context of recreation-focused infrastructure.

Dam Length

700

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

17.5

Nid Storage

40

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

20
       
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.