Lake Tabor Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Tabor Dam, also known as Tabor City Lake Dam, is a local government-owned structure in Columbus, North Carolina, designed for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1999, stands at a structural height of 12 feet along the Grissett Swamp, with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities for enthusiasts in the area. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of September 2018 was deemed satisfactory, ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding community.

Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, Lake Tabor Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspections, and enforcement to maintain its structural integrity and operational efficiency. While the dam lacks specific dimensions such as volume, storage capacity, or surface area, it remains a vital component in the local water resource infrastructure. With the support of state agencies and consistent inspections, Lake Tabor Dam continues to serve as a crucial recreational hub for residents and visitors alike.

As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining dams like Lake Tabor Dam cannot be overstated. With a designated emergency action plan and regular assessments, the dam stands ready to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of its surroundings. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, understanding the role of structures like Lake Tabor Dam is essential in safeguarding our communities and adapting to the evolving challenges of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1999

River Or Stream

Grissett Swamp

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

12
       
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.