Tar Heel Farm Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Holt Lake Dam Berry Downs Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Tar Heel Farm Lake Dam, located in Smithfield, North Carolina, was completed in 1957 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with secondary benefits for recreation.
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Summary
This private dam, with a height of 17 feet and a hydraulic height of 16 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and covers an area of 8 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in 1999.
The dam, situated on the Arters Branch-Tr river, falls under the jurisdiction of the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Although not state-regulated or permitted, the dam undergoes regular inspections by the state and meets enforcement requirements. With its close proximity to the city of Smithfield, Tar Heel Farm Lake Dam provides essential water resources for agricultural irrigation while offering recreational opportunities for the local community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tar Heel Farm Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned earth dam that plays a vital role in supporting irrigation activities in Johnston County. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, this dam showcases the importance of maintaining infrastructure for water management in rural areas. As discussions surrounding water security and climate change continue to evolve, understanding the operations and condition of dams like Tar Heel Farm Lake Dam becomes crucial for ensuring sustainable water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
660 |
River Or Stream |
Arters Branch-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Tar Heel Farm Lake Dam