Council Millpond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Council Millpond Dam, located in Council, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1902 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a structural height of 10 feet with a hydraulic height of 8 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 208 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 249 acre-feet. The dam spans 5,280 feet and is situated on Friar Swamp, within the Charleston District of North Carolina.

Despite being privately owned, Council Millpond Dam is subject to state inspections, with the last assessment conducted in January 2013, deeming the dam to be in satisfactory condition with a low hazard potential. The dam does not fall under federal jurisdiction or regulation, and there are no associated structures or locks. With a drainage area of 3,136 acres and a surface area of 170 acres, the dam contributes to the local water resource management and offers a serene recreational spot for enthusiasts to enjoy.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Council Millpond Dam for its historical significance, engineering design, and impact on the surrounding ecosystem. As a recreational structure, the dam serves as a meeting point for outdoor activities and wildlife observation, while also contributing to the overall water storage and management in the region. Its location on Friar Swamp adds to the ecological diversity of the area, making it a valuable site for conservation efforts and educational programs on water resources and climate change adaptation.

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

5280

River Or Stream

Friar Swamp

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

170

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

3136

Nid Storage

249

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.