N. State Orchard Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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Summary

State Orchard Dam #1, located in Montgomery, North Carolina, was completed in 1955 for the primary purpose of irrigation. This privately owned earth dam stands at a structural height of 20 feet and has a hydraulic height of 17 feet, with a length of 315 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.

Despite its low hazard potential, N. State Orchard Dam #1 is in poor condition as of the last assessment in 2013. The dam is inspected regularly, with the last inspection conducted in May 2013. Its emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are currently unclear. The dam is situated along the Big Mountain Creek-Os river/stream and plays a vital role in water management for the region.

With a normal storage capacity of 41 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 33 cubic feet per second, N. State Orchard Dam #1 is a key infrastructure for water supply in the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and improvement of dams like N. State Orchard Dam #1 are essential for ensuring water security and irrigation needs in the region.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

315

River Or Stream

Big Mountain Creek-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.