Third Creek Dam #21 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Third Creek Dam #21, located in Iredell, North Carolina, is a private earth dam constructed in 1954 by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction on the I-L Creek-Trib.
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Summary
With a structural height of 40.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 13 feet, this dam spans 547 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 531 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment in 2020, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, signaling the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety.
Managed by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, Third Creek Dam #21 is subject to state regulation, permitting, and inspection to uphold its structural integrity. In case of emergencies, the dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, with an established inspection frequency of every two years. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a level 3 on the risk scale, which underscores the importance of implementing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and protect the surrounding community.
As a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, Third Creek Dam #21 serves as a crucial component of water resource management in North Carolina. With its construction overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and its operation falling under private ownership, the dam plays a pivotal role in safeguarding downstream areas from potential flooding events. Despite its age, the dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose effectively, highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance and regulatory oversight to ensure its long-term functionality and resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
547 |
River Or Stream |
I-L Creek-Trib |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
1030 |
Nid Storage |
531 |
Structural Height |
40.5 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
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 #21