Bedford At Falls River Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bedford At Falls River Dam #1, located in Wake, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam built in 2004 for flood risk reduction purposes.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 34 feet and a structural height of 39 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam has a storage capacity of 4 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 80 cubic feet per second.

This dam is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The latest inspection in March 2020 found the dam to be in satisfactory condition, with a high hazard potential. While there are no associated structures or locks, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for managing water resources in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the engineering and regulatory efforts that go into maintaining this essential flood control structure.

Despite its simplicity as an earth dam, Bedford At Falls River Dam #1 plays a significant role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water resource management in the area. Its location, design, and purpose reflect the careful planning and execution required for effective flood control infrastructure. For those interested in the intersection of water resources, climate, and infrastructure management, this dam serves as a prime example of the importance of sustainable water resource practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

2004

Dam Length

310

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

34

Nid Storage

4

Structural Height

39

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

39
       
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.