Townsend Foods Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Townsend Foods Dam, formerly known as Webster Pond, is a private dam located in Pittsboro, North Carolina, along the Roberson Creek-Tr river.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet and has a hydraulic height of 22 feet. With a storage capacity of 210 acre-feet and a normal storage of 176 acre-feet, this dam serves a primary purpose that is classified as 'Other'.

Despite being under private ownership, Townsend Foods Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's hazard potential is rated as low, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in January 2012. The dam has an emergency action plan (EAP) in place, although details about its preparedness and adherence to guidelines are not specified in the available data.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Townsend Foods Dam will appreciate its role in controlling the flow of the Roberson Creek-Tr river and its contribution to water storage in the area. This dam, with its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, represents a key infrastructure for water management in Chatham County, North Carolina. Its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition make it a vital piece of the region's water resource system, ensuring the safety and stability of its surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

2380

River Or Stream

Roberson Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

210

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.