Summit Church Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Summit Church Dam, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a state-regulated structure with a high hazard potential.


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Summary

It is situated along the UT to Crystal Lake river or stream in the city of Cabe's Mill. While specific details about the dam's height, length, volume, and storage capacity are not provided, the dam is classified as having a primary purpose of "Other" and falls under the category of "Other" dam types.

The dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam has an inspection frequency of 2 and is considered to have a high hazard potential. While there is no information available on emergency action plans, inundation maps, or risk assessments, it is clear that Summit Church Dam is closely monitored and regulated to ensure public safety and water resource management in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Summit Church Dam serves as an intriguing case study in dam regulation and safety. With its location in a high-hazard area and its oversight by the state regulatory agency, the dam highlights the importance of monitoring and maintaining infrastructure to prevent potential risks to surrounding communities and the environment. As data continues to be updated and assessments are conducted, Summit Church Dam remains a focal point for those interested in the intersection of water management, infrastructure safety, and climate resilience.

River Or Stream

UT to Crystal Lake

Hazard Potential

High
       
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.