Yates Millpond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Yates Millpond Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1880 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 19 feet, with a length of 150 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 115 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 138 acre-feet, serving as a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities in the surrounding area.

With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of November 2016, Yates Millpond Dam is regularly inspected by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program to ensure its safety and integrity. Its proximity to Swift Creek-Tr River adds to its appeal for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to explore the ecological diversity of the region. While the dam does not have a designated spillway type or outlet gates, its historical significance and role in providing recreational opportunities make it a valuable asset for the community.

As a key feature of the local landscape, Yates Millpond Dam offers a serene setting for visitors to appreciate the intersection of human engineering and natural beauty. The dam's historical significance, combined with its continued use for recreation, highlights the importance of balancing environmental conservation with public enjoyment of water resources. For those interested in the intersection of water management, climate resilience, and recreational opportunities, Yates Millpond Dam serves as a fascinating case study in sustainable dam operation and maintenance.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

150

River Or Stream

Swift Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

3264

Nid Storage

138

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.