Phillips Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Phillips Pond Dam, located in Fires Creek, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The earth dam has a hydraulic height of 19.3 feet and a structural height of 20.7 feet, with a total length of 146 feet. The dam's reservoir has a storage capacity of 11 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 1 acre for recreational activities.

The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The last inspection in February 2018 rated the dam's condition as fair, with a significant hazard potential. Emergency action plans are in place, although last revised in 2006, to address any potential risks associated with the dam.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Phillips Pond Dam may find it intriguing as a recreational structure in a picturesque location, but should be aware of its hazard potential and the need for regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam's significance lies in its role in providing recreational opportunities while also serving as a reminder of the importance of proper dam management and safety measures in the face of potential risks.

Dam Length

146

River Or Stream

Caney Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

19.3

Nid Storage

11

Structural Height

20.7

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.