Fox Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fox Pond Dam, located in Walnut Cove, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure on Watts Creek primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 23.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 17.5 feet, with a length of 280 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 42 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 56 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 1042 acres.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and being in "Not Rated" condition as of the last inspection in January 2015, Fox Pond Dam is not regulated by the state and has no state permitting or enforcement requirements. The dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates and has not been modified since its completion. Furthermore, the dam lacks emergency action plans and risk assessment measures, highlighting potential areas for improvement in its management and safety protocols.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Fox Pond Dam can appreciate its historical significance in providing recreational opportunities while also recognizing the need for enhanced safety measures and regulatory oversight to ensure the continued integrity and resilience of this important water management structure in Stokes County.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

280

River Or Stream

Watts Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

17.5

Drainage Area

1042

Nid Storage

56

Structural Height

23.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.