Town Fork Creek Watershed Dam #5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Town Fork Creek Watershed Dam #5, located in Walnut Cove, North Carolina, was completed in 1970 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Old Field Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth dam, standing at 39 feet high with a hydraulic height of 18 feet, has a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 1533 acres. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in May 2020.

Managed by a private owner, this dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates and is monitored for any necessary risk management measures. With a moderate risk assessment rating and a history of meeting regulatory guidelines, Town Fork Creek Watershed Dam #5 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of proper water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

500

River Or Stream

Old Field Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

1533

Nid Storage

112

Structural Height

39

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

39
       
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.