Wayne County Wildlife Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wayne County Wildlife Pond Dam, located in Snow Hill, North Carolina, is a private dam designed by USDA NRCS for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 24 feet with a hydraulic height of 17.7 feet. With a storage capacity of 900 acre-feet, it serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area, covering a surface area of 37 acres and draining a 1150-acre watershed through the Beaver Dam River.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2020, the Wayne County Wildlife Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential, warranting regular inspections every 2 years. While the spillway type is uncontrolled, the dam's maximum discharge capacity reaches 330 cubic feet per second, emphasizing the importance of its maintenance and regulation by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plans are yet to be fully disclosed, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and preparedness to mitigate potential risks.

As a focal point for recreation and wildlife conservation, Wayne County Wildlife Pond Dam symbolizes the intersection of human enjoyment and environmental stewardship. Its role in providing a sanctuary for various species along the Beaver Dam River underscores the importance of balancing water resource utilization with ecological preservation. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate harmony between human activity and natural ecosystems in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource management challenges.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

940

River Or Stream

Beaver Dam

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

37

Hydraulic Height

17.7

Drainage Area

1150

Nid Storage

900

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.