Ransdell - Wake Chapel Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ransdell - Wake Chapel Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, is a privately-owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 12.6 feet and a structural height of 13.4 feet, this dam has a maximum storage capacity of 9 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1.7 acres. Despite its recreational focus, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a high hazard potential.

The dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that necessary enforcement and permitting measures are in place. The last inspection was conducted in January 2020, with a frequency of twice a year. The dam's poor condition and high hazard potential highlight the importance of proper maintenance and risk management to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the longevity of this water resource.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor and address the condition of dams like Ransdell - Wake Chapel Dam to prevent potential risks and ensure the sustainable use of water resources. By staying informed about regulatory agencies, inspection frequencies, and hazard potential, we can advocate for proper maintenance and risk management measures to protect both the dam infrastructure and the environment it serves.

Dam Length

285

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.7

Hydraulic Height

12.6

Nid Storage

9

Structural Height

13.4

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

13
       
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.