Flaherty Park Upper Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Flaherty Park Upper Dam, located in Wake, North Carolina, is a significant recreational site along a tributary to Smith Creek.


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Summary

While the dam is not state-regulated, it does undergo regular inspections to ensure its safety. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and is classified as an earth dam, although specific dimensions such as height and length are not provided in the data.

Despite lacking detailed structural information, Flaherty Park Upper Dam is deemed to have a significant hazard potential. The condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," suggesting a need for further evaluation. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam are also unclear from the available data, leaving questions about the preparedness for any potential emergencies that may arise. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, this data prompts curiosity about the dam's overall safety and management practices in place.

River Or Stream

trib to Smith Creek

Hazard Potential

Significant
       
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.