Powell Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Powell Pond Dam is a private earth dam located in Caldwell, North Carolina, serving primarily for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
This dam, with a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 24 feet, is situated between UT to Zacks Fork Creek (C) and has a storage capacity of 12 acre-feet. Although not regulated by the state, Powell Pond Dam has been inspected and deemed to have a significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of May 2013.
Despite lacking certain regulatory oversight, Powell Pond Dam remains a crucial water resource structure in the area, with a surface area of 1.5 acres and drainage area of 40 square miles. The dam, completed at an unknown year, plays a vital role in providing essential water resources for fire protection and supporting local wildlife through its small fish pond function. With a last inspection date in May 2013, efforts to ensure the dam's safety and functionality are ongoing to mitigate potential risks associated with its significant hazard potential.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique characteristics of Powell Pond Dam, such as its location, purpose, and condition assessment, make it an intriguing structure to monitor and study. The dam's association with the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers highlights its importance in local water management efforts. With a focus on fire protection and small-scale ecological support, Powell Pond Dam represents a valuable asset in the region's water infrastructure, warranting continued attention and maintenance to ensure its long-term sustainability and safety.
Dam Length |
192 |
River Or Stream |
UT to Zacks Fork Creek (C) |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
40 |
Nid Storage |
12 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yadkin River At Patterson
|
24cfs |
Elk Creek At Elkville
|
42cfs |
Johns River At Arneys Store
|
173cfs |
Lower Little River Nr All Healing Springs
|
18cfs |
Henry Fork Near Henry River
|
41cfs |
Linville River Near Nebo
|
75cfs |
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.
Powell Pond Dam