Third Creek Dam #11 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Third Creek Dam #11, located in Statesville, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Third Creek-Tr.


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Summary

Built in 1956 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 34 feet and has a hydraulic height of 9 feet, with a length of 406 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 408 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 1120 acres.

Although rated as having low hazard potential and not yet assessed for condition, Third Creek Dam #11 is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While the last inspection was conducted in October 2015, the dam is subject to regular inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and continued functionality in flood risk mitigation for the surrounding area.

With Ted Budd (R) as the congressional representative for the area, Third Creek Dam #11 plays a crucial role in managing water resources and preventing flooding in Iredell County. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, purpose, and condition of dams like Third Creek Dam #11 is essential in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events and changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

406

River Or Stream

Third Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

36

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

1120

Nid Storage

408

Structural Height

34

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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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.