Sutton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sutton Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a structural height of 17 feet, is regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements. The dam, situated along the Mahles Creek-Tr river, has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in January 2019.

Despite not having a designated dam type or completed year listed, Sutton Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. With no associated structures and a high hazard potential, it is essential for the dam to be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent any potential risks or hazards. Being situated in a region prone to climate fluctuations and extreme weather events, the importance of Sutton Dam in ensuring water security and safety for the surrounding community cannot be understated. As a hub for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sutton Dam stands as a testament to the vital role that dams play in managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

River Or Stream

Mahles Creek-Tr

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.