Rocky Mount Millpond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rocky Mount Millpond Dam, located in Nash County, North Carolina, was completed in 1923 and stands as a concrete structure on the Tar River.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, this dam also serves as a source of water supply for the area. Its hydraulic height of 15 feet and structural height of 15 feet contribute to its capacity to hold 224 acre-feet of water in its reservoir, covering a surface area of 38.6 acres.

Managed by a private owner, the Rocky Mount Millpond Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources Dam Safety Program. The dam has been deemed to have significant hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated" since the last inspection in 2007. Despite its age, the dam continues to be a focal point for recreational activities and water supply management in the region.

With a rich history dating back almost a century, the Rocky Mount Millpond Dam remains an essential structure for the community of Rocky Mount and surrounding areas. Its significance lies not only in its role in providing water resources and recreational opportunities but also in its continued maintenance and regulation to ensure the safety of those who benefit from its presence along the Tar River. As climate change impacts water resources, the importance of dams like this in managing water supply and maintaining environmental balance becomes increasingly apparent.

Year Completed

1923

Dam Length

600

River Or Stream

Tar River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

38.6

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

608970

Nid Storage

224

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.