Golden Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Golden Pond Dam, also known as Bowden Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Granville, North Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1955, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes along the Robertson Creek-Tr river. Standing at a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 20.5 feet, it has a length of 450 feet and a storage capacity of 20 acre-feet. The dam's hazard potential is deemed significant, with a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in January 2019.

Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a normal storage capacity of 9 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 153 cubic feet per second, Golden Pond Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike, showcasing the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience.

As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, Golden Pond Dam presents a fascinating case study of a privately-owned earth dam with a significant hazard potential yet fair condition assessment. Its presence along the Robertson Creek-Tr river not only contributes to the local landscape but also highlights the importance of proper dam management and maintenance in ensuring public safety and environmental sustainability. With continued oversight from state regulatory agencies and periodic inspections, Golden Pond Dam stands as a testament to the delicate balance between water resource utilization and climate adaptation in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

450

River Or Stream

Robertson Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

120

Nid Storage

20

Structural Height

20.5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

21
       
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.