Lake Amberly Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Amberly Dam, also known as Morris Branch Lake Dam, is a private structure located in Wake, North Carolina.


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Summary

Completed in 2001, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 22.5 feet and has a hydraulic height of 11 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 91 acre-feet and a surface area of 14.1 acres, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes along the Morris Branch river.

Managed and regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Dam Safety Program, Lake Amberly Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in February 2019. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Amberly Dam offers a fascinating case study in private dam management and regulation. Its location in a densely populated area underscores the importance of effective monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection. The dam's association with recreation adds another layer of interest, highlighting the dual roles that such structures often play in providing water storage and leisure opportunities for local communities.

Year Completed

2001

Dam Length

600

River Or Stream

Morris Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.1

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

897

Nid Storage

91

Structural Height

22.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

23
       
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.