Point East Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Point East Dam, located in Tar Heel, North Carolina, along Kirks Mill Creek, serves as a vital water resource and recreational site in Cumberland County.


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Summary

This private dam, with a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, provides a surface area of 6.9 acres and a storage capacity of 113 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge of 1000 cubic feet per second, Point East Dam offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities while also serving as a critical water management structure in the region.

Despite its importance, Point East Dam poses a high hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in July 2020. While the dam meets state inspection requirements, it lacks a formal assessment of its structural integrity and emergency action plan preparedness. As a private facility, Point East Dam operates without state regulation or permitting, highlighting the need for improved risk management measures and emergency response protocols to ensure the safety of nearby communities and the environment in case of a potential failure or disaster.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intricacies of dam infrastructure and management would find Point East Dam a compelling case study. Its unique location, design characteristics, and operational challenges offer insights into the complexities of balancing water resource utilization for recreation and environmental conservation, as well as the importance of proactive risk assessment and emergency preparedness in safeguarding communities and ecosystems downstream.

Dam Length

470

River Or Stream

Kirks Mill Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.9

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

2560

Nid Storage

113

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

High

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.