Methodist Camp Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Methodist Camp Lake Dam, located in Altamahaw, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1968 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a structural height of 31.8 feet, with a hydraulic height of 27.5 feet, impounding a maximum of 127 acre-feet of water from the Haw River-Tr. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

With a normal storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1958 acres, Methodist Camp Lake Dam provides a surface area of 10 acres for recreational activities. The uncontrolled spillway type and outlet gates contribute to a maximum discharge capacity of 132 cubic feet per second. The dam's moderate risk assessment rating highlights the need for ongoing risk management measures, although no emergency action plan or inundation maps were reported as of the latest inspection in 2016.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Methodist Camp Lake Dam can appreciate its role in providing recreational opportunities while adhering to state regulations for dam safety. The dam's historical significance as a USDA NRCS design from 1968 adds to its appeal as a sustainable earth structure with stone core types and soil foundations. As part of the Rockingham, North Carolina community, this dam on the Haw River-Tr offers a serene backdrop for outdoor activities and serves as a testament to responsible water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

384

River Or Stream

Haw River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

27.5

Drainage Area

1958

Nid Storage

127

Structural Height

31.8

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.