South Lake Dam

About South Lake Dam

The primary purpose of South Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Papagaia Holding Trust (private). It impounds the Long Creek near Kittrell.

The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 12 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 170 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1854, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 11/30/2021.

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