Hillcrest Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hillcrest Lake Dam, located in Lakeview Tr.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
at Hillcrest Rd. in Lenoir, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes. The dam stands at a structural height of 13 feet with a hydraulic height of 10 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 48 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 62 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary that flows into the Neuse River, under the regulatory oversight of the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program.
Despite its recreational significance, Hillcrest Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, as indicated by its unsatisfactory condition assessment during the last inspection in December 2020. With a hazard potential of high risk, this dam requires regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and the safety of downstream communities. As the primary source agency overseeing its regulation, the NCDEQ is responsible for enforcing inspections, permitting, and enforcement to mitigate any potential risks associated with the dam.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to recognize the importance of maintaining the safety and functionality of structures like Hillcrest Lake Dam to prevent potential disasters and protect the surrounding environment. With its critical role in recreation and water management, ongoing assessment and management measures are essential to ensure the longevity and resilience of this dam for future generations.
Dam Length |
3333 |
River Or Stream |
Unnamed Trib into Neuse River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
62 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Neuse River At Kinston
|
1080cfs |
Bear Creek At Mays Store
|
98cfs |
Contentnea Creek At Hookerton
|
459cfs |
Nahunta Swamp Near Shine
|
89cfs |
Trent River Near Trenton
|
19cfs |
Neuse River Near Fort Barnwell
|
2010cfs |
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.
Hillcrest Lake Dam