Powell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Powell Dam, located in Mebane, North Carolina, stands as a testament to the efforts of the USDA NRCS in designing a recreational earth dam along Stagg Creek-Tr.


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Summary

Built in 1984, this privately owned dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and boasts a hydraulic height of 17.6 feet and a structural height of 26.4 feet. With a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres, Powell Dam offers a tranquil retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

Despite its uncontrolled spillway and low hazard potential, Powell Dam remains regulated, inspected, and enforced by the NCDEQ's Dam Safety Program. The dam has not been rated for its condition, with the last inspection conducted in October 2014. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level, no specific risk management measures or guidelines for emergency action planning have been outlined. Despite these considerations, Powell Dam continues to be a noteworthy site for recreation and water conservation in Alamance County, showcasing the harmonious blend of human ingenuity and natural resource preservation.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

350

River Or Stream

Stagg Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

17.6

Drainage Area

17

Nid Storage

21

Structural Height

26.4

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.