Cardinal Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cardinal Lake Dam, nestled in the scenic city of Greensboro, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock pond, and recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, with a hydraulic height of 14.7 feet and a structural height of 19.2 feet, creates a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 15 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.5 acres. While the dam is not regulated by the state, it is inspected regularly, with the last assessment conducted in February 2021.

Despite its small size, Cardinal Lake Dam has a high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the structure. The dam's condition is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating a need for further assessment to determine any potential risks or vulnerabilities. While there are no emergency action plans or inundation maps currently in place, the dam's owners and stakeholders must prioritize preparedness and risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats and safeguard the environment and local water resources.

Dam Length

250

River Or Stream

Trib to Brush Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Hydraulic Height

14.7

Nid Storage

19

Structural Height

19.2

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

19
       
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.