Jewell Acres Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Jewell Acres Dam, located in Riceville, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a hydraulic height of 17.6 feet and a structural height of 21 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 14 acre-feet and a drainage area of 154 square miles, the dam provides essential water resources for the surrounding area.

Although the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, its condition assessment as of May 2019 was satisfactory. Regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. While there are no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam's significance lies in its role in providing recreational opportunities and contributing to the overall water resource management in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Jewell Acres Dam to be an interesting case study in private dam ownership and regulatory oversight in North Carolina.

Dam Length

540

River Or Stream

Bull Branch-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

17.6

Drainage Area

154

Nid Storage

14

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.