Circle M Ranch Lower Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Circle M Ranch Lower Dam, located in Stokes, North Carolina, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1968, stands at a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a structural height of 33 feet, with a length of 442 feet and a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2015 reported poor conditions, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
The dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, indicating compliance with state regulations and regular monitoring to address any safety concerns. The surrounding area, including the Snow Creek-Tr river/stream, benefits from the dam's water storage capacity of 97 acre-feet for various uses. While the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not clearly documented, its location in the Ceramic city area underscores the importance of maintaining its integrity to protect the local community and environment from potential hazards.
Overall, Circle M Ranch Lower Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As a privately owned structure, it plays a vital role in supporting fire protection efforts and providing water for livestock and recreational purposes. With a history dating back to the late 1960s, the dam's maintenance and upkeep are essential to ensure its continued function and safety, underscoring the importance of ongoing inspections and potential improvements to address its current poor condition assessment.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
442 |
River Or Stream |
Snow Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
110 |
Nid Storage |
115 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Mayo River Near Nettleridge
|
45cfs |
Dan R At Pine Hall
|
235cfs |
Dan River Near Francisco
|
176cfs |
Mayo River Near Price
|
130cfs |
North Mayo River Near Spencer
|
56cfs |
Dan River Near Wentworth
|
545cfs |
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.
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