Raeford Dam
Raeford Dam is an earth dam located in Cumberland County, North Carolina, built in 1914. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Raeford Dam
The primary purpose of Raeford Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Lake Upchurch Dam Preservation Association (private). It impounds the Rockfish Creek near Parkton.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 1,380 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 210 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 183 square miles. Completed in 1914, the structure is over a century 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 03/16/2022.
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 | Cumberland |
| Nearest City | Parkton |
| River/Stream | Rockfish Creek |
| Coordinates | 34.95954, -79.00062 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,380 ft |
| Year Completed | 1914 (112 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 210 acres |
| Drainage Area | 183 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 25,717 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Lake Upchurch Dam Preservation Association |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/16/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC01202 |
| Federal ID | NC01202 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |