Turnage Millpond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cobb Lake Dam Phelps Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Snow Hill, North Carolina, Turnage Millpond Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, having been completed in 1900.
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Summary
This privately-owned earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, creating a serene millpond on the Tyson Marsh. With a structural height of 13.9 feet and a hydraulic height of 10.5 feet, the dam holds a normal storage capacity of 84 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 120 acre-feet within its 500-foot length.
Despite its age, Turnage Millpond Dam maintains a satisfactory condition, as confirmed by its last inspection in December 2020. However, the dam poses a high hazard potential, warranting biennial inspections to ensure its continued safety. With the North Carolina Dam Safety Program overseeing its regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement, this historic structure remains a vital part of the local water resource infrastructure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Turnage Millpond Dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of history, engineering, and environmental stewardship in the Tar Heel State.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
500 |
River Or Stream |
Tyson Marsh |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
10.5 |
Drainage Area |
1984 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Structural Height |
13.9 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nahunta Swamp Near Shine
|
89cfs |
Contentnea Creek At Hookerton
|
459cfs |
Bear Creek At Mays Store
|
98cfs |
Neuse River At Kinston
|
1080cfs |
Neuse River Near Goldsboro
|
895cfs |
Tar River At Greenville
|
260cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Turnage Millpond Dam