Crabtree Creek Ws Dam #11-a
Crabtree Creek Ws Dam #11-a is an earth dam located in Wake County, North Carolina, built in 1980. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Crabtree Creek Ws Dam #11-a
The primary purpose of Crabtree Creek Ws Dam #11-a is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Wake County Community Development Services (local government). It impounds the Richland Creek near Raleigh.
The dam stands 54 feet tall and stretches 745 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 44 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,327 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1980, the structure is 46 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/21/2024.
At 54 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The North Carolina dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Wake |
| Nearest City | Raleigh |
| River/Stream | Richland Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.82910, -78.72640 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 54 ft |
| Dam Length | 745 ft |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,327 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,327 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 323 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 44 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,610 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Wake County Community Development Services |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/21/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC01720 |
| Federal ID | NC01720 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |