Capps Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Capps Dam, located in Bellemont, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Situated on Big Alamance Creek-Tr, this earth dam has a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 24.4 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 44 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 52 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 5.3 acres and serves a drainage area of 64 square miles.

Although Capps Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition, it falls under state regulations and is subject to periodic inspections by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Dam Safety Program. The last inspection was conducted in July 2017, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, and there is limited information available on risk assessment and management measures.

Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate in Alamance County, North Carolina, may find Capps Dam an intriguing site for its recreational significance and role in water management. With its location in the Wilmington District and proximity to the Big Alamance Creek-Tr, this dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of human-made structures and natural water systems in the region.

Dam Length

386

River Or Stream

Big Alamance Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.3

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

64

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

24.4

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
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.