Located in Morven, North Carolina, the Bonsal Tailings Dam is a privately owned structure designed for tailings management.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1976, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 61 feet and a structural height of 63 feet, with a length of 6900 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 1890 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 75 acres, serving the primary purpose of tailings containment.
Regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, the Bonsal Tailings Dam has been deemed to have a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in fair condition. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment taking place in August 2020. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet state permitting and inspection requirements, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the Bonsal Tailings Dam an intriguing subject for study, given its historical significance and ongoing management. Situated along the Island Creek-Tr river, this structure represents a vital component of the region's infrastructure, highlighting the intersection of natural resource management and human development in North Carolina.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
6900 |
River Or Stream |
Island Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
75 |
Hydraulic Height |
61 |
Drainage Area |
58 |
Nid Storage |
1890 |
Structural Height |
63 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
63 |
Pee Dee R Nr Rockingham
|
1830cfs |
Rocky River Near Norwood
|
305cfs |
Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville
|
2460cfs |
Drowning Creek Near Hoffman
|
181cfs |
Little River Near Star
|
16cfs |
Black Creek Near Mcbee
|
108cfs |