Larry Mesimer Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Emerson Lake Dam Earnhardt Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Larry Mesimer Dam, located in Cabarrus, North Carolina, is a private earth dam primarily used for fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1990, this dam has a hydraulic height of 12.5 feet and a structural height of 16 feet, with a length of 390 feet. It has a storage capacity of 35.2 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 27.5 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 5.5 acres and draining a watershed area of 72 square miles.
The dam, situated on Coddle Creek-Tr, falls under the jurisdiction of the state of North Carolina and is subject to state inspection. With a significant hazard potential, its condition was last assessed in November 2018 but remains unrated. The dam's purpose, combined with its storage capacity and location, makes it a critical asset for water resource management in the region. The dam's association with fire protection highlights its importance beyond just water storage, showcasing its multifunctionality in supporting various community needs.
As a key infrastructure for water management and emergency preparedness, Larry Mesimer Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential risks. Its presence as a private structure underscores the diverse ownership of water resources and the collaborative efforts needed to ensure their effective management. With its design tailored for specific purposes and its operational history dating back to the 1990s, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and community safety in the region.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
390 |
River Or Stream |
Coddle Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
12.5 |
Drainage Area |
72 |
Nid Storage |
35.2 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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