Flow Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Flow Dam, also known as Forte Dam, is a privately-owned structure located in Badin, North Carolina along Little Mountain Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1972, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 16.5 feet and a structural height of 23.3 feet, with a length of 395 feet. Its primary purpose is for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, and it also serves recreational activities.

The dam has a storage capacity of 127 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 13.7 acres, with a drainage area of 3060 acres. Despite its significant storage capacity, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as per the last assessment conducted in April 2019. The dam is inspected regularly, with the most recent inspection conducted in 2019.

Flow Dam plays a crucial role in providing fire protection, stock, and recreational opportunities in the area. However, its poor condition and high hazard potential highlight the importance of proper maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the sustainability of the water resource.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

395

River Or Stream

Little Mountain Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.7

Hydraulic Height

16.5

Drainage Area

3060

Nid Storage

127

Structural Height

23.3

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

23
       
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.