Davis Millpond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Davis Millpond Dam, located in Kinston, North Carolina, was completed in 1850 and serves as a recreational site along Trotters Creek.


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Summary

The dam is privately owned and not regulated by the state, with a primary purpose of recreation. Standing at a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a structural height of 15 feet, the dam has a length of 400 feet and a storage capacity of 374 acre-feet, making it a significant water resource in the area.

Despite not being rated for its condition, Davis Millpond Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential. The last inspection of the dam took place in September 2019, with an inspection frequency of 0. With a drainage area of 4160 acres and a maximum discharge of 248 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage in the region. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, it remains an essential structure for both recreational and water resource management purposes.

As a historical earth dam, Davis Millpond Dam stands as a testament to the engineering practices of the 19th century. With a surface area of 50 acres and a normal storage capacity of 312 acre-feet, the dam offers not only recreational opportunities but also contributes to the overall water management system in the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Davis Millpond Dam become increasingly important in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

Trotters Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

4160

Nid Storage

374

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.