Pilot Life Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pilot Life Dam, located in Guilford, North Carolina, is a private earth dam built in 1953 primarily for recreation purposes along the Reddicks Creek.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 23.5 feet and a structural height of 25.5 feet, this dam stands at 545 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 99 acre-feet. The dam is owned and regulated by the NC Dam Safety Program, with regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Pilot Life Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its proximity to the city of Randleman and the potential impact of a dam failure on downstream areas. The dam is equipped with emergency action plans, but the last revision date is unknown. With a maximum discharge of 404 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water resource management in the region. However, its maintenance and risk management measures should be closely monitored to ensure the safety of nearby communities and the preservation of the surrounding environment.

As a popular spot for recreational activities, Pilot Life Dam offers a surface area of 8 acres and a drainage area of 74 square miles. Its normal storage capacity of 69 acre-feet provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities for visitors. With ongoing inspections and risk assessments, the dam serves as a vital resource for both water management and outdoor recreation in Guilford County.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

545

River Or Stream

Reddicks Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

23.5

Drainage Area

74

Nid Storage

99

Structural Height

25.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.