Winery Lane Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Winery Lane Dam, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a state-regulated earth dam on McAlpine Creek, a tributary of the Wilmington District.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 8.3 feet and a structural height of 9.3 feet, this dam serves a primary purpose of "Other." It has a dam length of 200 feet and a storage capacity of 7 acre-feet, making it a significant water resource structure in the area.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of January 2020, Winery Lane Dam has a high hazard potential, which underscores the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam is monitored by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and integrity. The last inspection in January 2020 revealed that the dam meets guidelines for emergency action plans, but further risk assessment and management measures may be needed to address potential hazards.

The presence of Winery Lane Dam highlights the critical role of water resource management in ensuring public safety and environmental protection. As a key infrastructure in the region, its condition and operational efficiency are closely monitored to mitigate risks and safeguard the surrounding community. Climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates can appreciate the intricate balance of maintaining dams like Winery Lane to support sustainable water management practices in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Dam Length

200

River Or Stream

McAlpine Creek - tributary

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.7

Hydraulic Height

8.3

Drainage Area

25

Nid Storage

7

Structural Height

9.3

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

9
       
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.