Lissara Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Durham Lake Dam Conrad Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lissara Dam, located in Clemmons, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 2011, this earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 70 feet and has a hydraulic height of 64 feet. With a storage capacity of 673 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 22 acres and has a drainage area of 160 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.
Situated on a tributary to the Yadkin River, Lissara Dam offers a tranquil setting for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 24 cubic feet per second, and it has no associated locks or spillways. The dam's last inspection took place in January 2015, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every five years. While the dam meets regulatory guidelines and has emergency action plans in place, there are currently no inundation maps or risk assessment measures prepared.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lissara Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned recreational structure in North Carolina. As part of the state's regulated dam inventory, the dam provides valuable insights into how earth-type dams can support both recreational activities and environmental conservation efforts. With a focus on safety and compliance, the ongoing monitoring and inspection of Lissara Dam showcase the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure for water management and public safety in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
2011 |
Dam Length |
550 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Yadkin River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Hydraulic Height |
64 |
Drainage Area |
160 |
Nid Storage |
673 |
Structural Height |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
70 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yadkin River At Enon
|
1190cfs |
Little Yadkin River At Dalton
|
17cfs |
Yadkin River At Yadkin College
|
1590cfs |
Hunting Creek Near Harmony
|
97cfs |
Ararat River At Ararat
|
153cfs |
Fisher River Near Copeland
|
177cfs |
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.
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