Weldon Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Weldon Lake Dam, located in Gold Rock, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose categorized as "Other." Constructed in 1850, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 20 feet and has a hydraulic height of 19 feet.


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Summary

The dam has a NID storage capacity of 288 acre-feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 288 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 240 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Cattail Creek and is monitored by the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite being over a century old, Weldon Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in May 1993, with no specific condition assessment date provided. The dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have any associated structures or outlet gates. While the dam does not fall under state jurisdiction for regulation or permitting, it is subject to periodic state inspections to ensure its operational integrity.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the historical significance and engineering aspects of Weldon Lake Dam will find it intriguing to explore its role in water storage and management in the Vance County region of North Carolina. The dam's unique design and purpose, combined with its location on Cattail Creek, make it a notable landmark for those studying water infrastructure and its impact on local communities. Despite its age, Weldon Lake Dam continues to serve as a vital structure for water resource management in the area, highlighting the long-lasting impact of early engineering efforts in harnessing and controlling water flow.

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

200

River Or Stream

Cattail Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

288

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.