Pritchard Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pritchard Dam, also known as Bullard's Pond Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Fayetteville, North Carolina.


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Summary

This earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, with a hydraulic height of 13.5 feet and a structural height of 16.5 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 7.25 acre-feet and is situated on the Little Cross Creek-Tr river. Despite its importance for recreational activities, Pritchard Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and is in poor condition as of the last assessment in January 2021.

The dam, with a length of 285 feet, poses a significant risk due to its condition and location. It is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, specifically the Dam Safety Program, which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Given its size and the surrounding drainage area of 365 square miles, the potential impact of any failure or breach could be substantial, highlighting the critical need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. With the last inspection conducted in January 2021 and a hazard potential of high, efforts to address the dam's poor condition and ensure its safety are essential for the community and environment it serves.

In light of its vital role in recreation and the potential risks associated with its current condition, Pritchard Dam stands as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region. As efforts continue to address its poor condition and enhance its safety measures, stakeholders must prioritize the dam's maintenance and monitoring to prevent any adverse impacts on the surrounding area and water resources. With its historical significance and role in the local landscape, the future of Pritchard Dam hinges on collaborative efforts to ensure its resilience and sustainability in the face of changing climate patterns and environmental challenges.

Dam Length

285

River Or Stream

Little Cross Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

13.5

Drainage Area

365

Nid Storage

7.25

Structural Height

16.5

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.