Third Creek Watershed #18 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Statesville, North Carolina, Third Creek Watershed #18 is a privately owned dam constructed in 1960 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Third Creek-Tributary.


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Summary

With a structural height of 36 feet and a hydraulic height of 13 feet, this earth dam spans 420 feet in length and has a maximum storage capacity of 614 acre-feet. The watershed covers a drainage area of 883 acres and has a maximum discharge capacity of 9,671 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Third Creek Watershed #18 is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in December 2020. The dam is regulated and permitted by the NCDEQ's Dam Safety Program, with regular inspections conducted every two years. While the risk assessment is moderate, with a rating of 3, there are no specific risk management measures mentioned. Overall, Third Creek Watershed #18 serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing flood risks in the area and contributes to the watershed's water resource management efforts.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

420

River Or Stream

Third Creek-Trib.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.4

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

883

Nid Storage

614

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.