Martin Pond Dam #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Martin Pond Dam #2, located in Belmont, North Carolina, is a local government-owned Earth dam built in 1957 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 15 feet, this dam stands tall along the Catawba River-Os, offering a surface area of 6 acres and a drainage area of 134 square miles. The dam has a low hazard potential and was last assessed to be in fair condition in November 2018.

Despite not being state-regulated, Martin Pond Dam #2 undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam has a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet, with normal storage levels at 56 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge rate of 3 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while also serving as a water resource management structure along the Catawba River-Os. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Martin Pond Dam #2 presents an intriguing case study of a locally owned dam with a significant impact on the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

600

River Or Stream

Catawba River-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

134

Nid Storage

67

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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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.