Third Creek Dam #20 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shaver Dam Third Creek Watershed #18
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Third Creek Dam #20, located in Iredell, North Carolina, was completed in 1958 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along Duck Creek.
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Summary
The dam is privately owned and regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program. With a structural height of 27 feet and a hydraulic height of 8 feet, Third Creek Dam #20 has a storage capacity of 359 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6.2 acres. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition as of the last inspection in December 2020.
The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it has one uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. It sits on a stone core foundation and is classified as an earth dam. The surrounding drainage area is 589 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 330 cubic feet per second. The dam is subject to regular state inspections, with an inspection frequency of two years, and is located in a region represented by Congressman Ted Budd (R). Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Third Creek Dam #20 an intriguing structure that plays a vital role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the area.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
332 |
River Or Stream |
Duck Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
589 |
Nid Storage |
359 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Third Creek Dam #20