Dobbs Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dobbs Lake Dam #1, located in South Gastonia, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1969 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a structural height of 20 feet and a hydraulic height of 17 feet, the dam spans a length of 700 feet and has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. Situated on the Crowders Creek-Tr river, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities in a picturesque setting.

Despite not being state regulated, Dobbs Lake Dam #1 is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and integrity. With a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," with the last inspection conducted in November 2018. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and other management measures are not specified in the available data. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find this dam intriguing for its recreational value and potential environmental impact in the region.

As a vital component of the Wilmington District in North Carolina, Dobbs Lake Dam #1 offers a glimpse into the intersection of human-made structures, water resources, and natural landscapes. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1960s, the dam provides a unique opportunity for individuals interested in exploring the dynamics of dam construction, management, and safety protocols in a non-state regulated context. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the intricacies of managing a privately owned dam for recreational purposes while ensuring its continued safety and environmental impact within the local ecosystem.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

700

River Or Stream

Crowders Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

128

Nid Storage

53

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
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.