Haddon Hall Upper Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Haddon Hall Upper Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure primarily used for fish and wildlife pond management.


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Summary

The dam, classified as an Earth type with a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a structural height of 19 feet, holds a normal storage capacity of 8 acre-feet and covers an area of 1.1 acres. Despite its relatively small size, the dam is considered to have a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, as last inspected in December 2019.

The dam is regulated and permitted by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, indicating that it undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure compliance with safety standards. With a history of poor condition and high hazard potential, it is crucial for the owners and regulators to prioritize maintenance and risk management measures to prevent any potential hazards or emergencies. While the dam serves important purposes for fish and wildlife conservation and recreation, its structural integrity and safety should remain a top priority for all stakeholders involved in its management and oversight.

Given its location in a populated area and its potential impact in the event of a failure, Haddon Hall Upper Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of these structures. It is essential for dam owners, regulatory agencies, and the community to work together to ensure the safety and longevity of the dam, as well as the protection of the surrounding environment and residents. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources and infrastructure, proactive measures and risk assessments are vital in safeguarding against potential disasters related to dams and other water management structures.

Dam Length

320

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.1

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

8

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

19
       
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.