Pritchard Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Burke, North Carolina, Pritchard Pond Dam is a private earth dam primarily designed for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Managed by the USDA NRCS, this dam on the Jacob River-Tr is notable for its significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment. With a hydraulic height of 11 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, Pritchard Pond Dam has a storage capacity of 18 acre-feet and an uncontrolled spillway type.

Despite being unregulated by the state and with no required permitting or enforcement, Pritchard Pond Dam still poses a moderate risk, as indicated by its risk assessment rating of 3. The last inspection in January 2014 revealed a fair condition, with no emergency action plan currently in place. As a key feature for recreation in the area, this dam serves as a vital water resource for the local community while also presenting challenges in terms of potential hazards and risk management.

River Or Stream

Jacob River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

18

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

17
       
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.