Derbyshire Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Holmberg Dam Wayne Horne Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Derbyshire Dam, also known as Lake Sandy Plains Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Polk, North Carolina, specifically in the city of Collinsville.
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Summary
The dam is situated on Hughes Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. With a hydraulic height of 30 feet and a structural height of 38 feet, Derbyshire Dam primarily serves as a recreational site, offering opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the surrounding area.
Despite its recreational focus, Derbyshire Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, although its current condition is assessed as fair. The dam has a storage capacity of 99,999 acre-feet and a drainage area of 934 square miles. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment taking place in March 2020, and an emergency action plan is in place to ensure preparedness in case of any unforeseen events. Overall, Derbyshire Dam stands as a vital component of the water resource infrastructure in the region, providing both recreational amenities and essential safety measures to protect the surrounding communities from potential risks associated with its operation.
Dam Length |
550 |
River Or Stream |
Hughes Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
99999 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
934 |
Nid Storage |
99999 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
38 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Derbyshire Dam