Miller Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Miller Dam, located in Jonesville, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure used primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1979, this earth dam stands at a height of 22.7 feet with a hydraulic height of 19 feet, providing a storage capacity of 41 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the East Swan Creek-Tr river system, serving a drainage area of 110 square miles and covering a surface area of 4.5 acres.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Miller Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, requiring regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in January 2020, with an inspection frequency of every two years.

In the event of an emergency, it is crucial for the owner of Miller Dam to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place to guide response efforts and ensure the safety of downstream communities. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the condition and management of dams like Miller Dam is essential for understanding the impact of these structures on the surrounding environment and communities.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

295

River Or Stream

East Swan Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.5

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

110

Nid Storage

41

Structural Height

22.7

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

23
       
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.