Oglebay Norton Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Crone Lake Dam Ms05802 Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
The Oglebay Norton Dam, also known as the Franklin Industrial Minerals Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Cleveland, North Carolina.
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Summary
Completed in 1956, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 28 feet and serves primarily for tailings purposes. With a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a length of 300 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.5 acres.
Despite being state-regulated with inspections conducted regularly, the Oglebay Norton Dam has been assessed to have a low hazard potential and fair condition as of the last assessment in 2015. The dam is situated on the Dixon Branch-Tr river system and falls under the jurisdiction of the Charleston District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam's main purpose is to manage tailings for the industrial operations in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Oglebay Norton Dam offers a glimpse into the engineering and environmental management practices surrounding dam infrastructure. While it may not be a significant storage or discharge structure, its role in mitigating potential hazards and maintaining fair conditions underscores the importance of proper monitoring and maintenance for all dams, regardless of size or purpose. The dam's location in a private industrial setting adds a layer of complexity to its regulatory oversight, making it a unique case study for those interested in the intersection of private ownership and public safety in water resource management.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
300 |
River Or Stream |
Dixon Branch-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
34 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Long Creek Near Bessemer City
|
13cfs |
Broad River Near Blacksburg
|
569cfs |
Broad River Near Gaffney
|
1890cfs |
Broad River Below Cherokee Falls
|
900cfs |
Indian Creek Near Laboratory
|
608cfs |
South Fork Catawba River At Lowell
|
396cfs |
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.
Martintown Recreational Dam