Flaherty Park Lower Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Flaherty Park Lower Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, serves as a vital recreational resource for the community.


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Summary

Situated on a tributary to Smith Creek, this Earth dam is known for its significant hazard potential, but its condition remains unrated. While the dam's purpose primarily revolves around recreation, its exact specifications such as height, length, and storage capacity are not documented. Despite its lack of state regulation, the dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure public safety.

Owned by an unspecified entity and not federally regulated, Flaherty Park Lower Dam stands as a reminder of the importance of proper dam management. With a hazard potential categorized as significant, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are unknown, leaving room for improvement in its overall safety protocols. However, the dam's role in providing recreational opportunities highlights the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.

In the absence of detailed information regarding Flaherty Park Lower Dam's structure and operational details, its significance in the local landscape cannot be understated. As a focal point for outdoor activities and leisure, the dam's value to the community underscores the importance of balancing recreational benefits with necessary safety measures. With ongoing inspections and a commitment to public safety, Flaherty Park Lower Dam remains a vital resource for water resource and climate enthusiasts in Wake County.

River Or Stream

trib to Smith Creek

Hazard Potential

Significant
       
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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.