Maxwell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Maxwell Dam, located in Hope Mills, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated on Rockfish Creek-Os, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 11 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, with a length of 425 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 88.4 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 13 acres, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts in the Cumberland County area.

While Maxwell Dam is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections, its hazard potential is categorized as low, with a fair condition assessment as of February 2019. The dam lacks certain features like spillways, locks, and outlet gates, indicating a simpler design focused on recreational use rather than flood control or water management. Despite its modest size and capabilities, Maxwell Dam remains a vital part of the local landscape, offering residents and visitors alike a tranquil oasis for leisure activities in a picturesque natural setting.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the significance of structures like Maxwell Dam becomes increasingly apparent. By providing a safe and enjoyable environment for recreational activities while also prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance, Maxwell Dam exemplifies the balance between human enjoyment of natural resources and responsible stewardship of our waterways.

Dam Length

425

River Or Stream

Rockfish Creek-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

88.4

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.