Nelson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Nelson Lake Dam, located in Anson, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1935 for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 22 feet, providing a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the North Fork Jones Creek-Os, serving as a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, Nelson Lake Dam has been inspected as recently as February 2013. The dam's primary purpose of recreation is reflected in its surface area of 5 acres and a drainage area of 10 acres. While the dam does not have a spillway type specified, it has a maximum discharge of 89 cubic feet per second, ensuring safety measures are in place for any potential overflow scenarios.

Despite not being regulated by the state and lacking an Emergency Action Plan, Nelson Lake Dam remains a key feature in the Cheraw Sc community for outdoor activities and water-based recreation. As water levels continue to be managed efficiently, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure for both recreational enjoyment and environmental conservation in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

245

River Or Stream

North Fork Jones Creek-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

10

Nid Storage

53

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.