Lake Plaza Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Plaza Dam, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure managed by WAKE-360.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth-type dam, standing at a structural height of 17 feet with a hydraulic height of 13 feet, serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a storage capacity of 18.4 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the Big Branch-Tr river and covers a surface area of 2 acres, making it a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking outdoor adventures.

Despite its high hazard potential, Lake Plaza Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection conducted in December 2020. The dam is under state jurisdiction and regulation by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets all necessary safety standards. While the dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, its satisfactory condition and regular inspection frequency of every two years provide assurance of its stability and safety for visitors enjoying recreational activities in the area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of North Carolina's natural landscapes, Lake Plaza Dam offers a serene retreat surrounded by the tranquility of the Big Branch-Tr river.

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

Big Branch-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

18.4

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
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.