Upper Budd Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Budd Dam, located in Davie, North Carolina, along the Yadkin River, serves primarily for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

This privately owned earth dam was completed in 1982 and has a hydraulic height of 19.7 feet and a structural height of 23.8 feet, with a total length of 450 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 37 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 5.9 acres and draining a 68 square mile area.

Despite being rated as having low hazard potential and being in a not rated condition as of the last inspection in December 2014, Upper Budd Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. While it is not regulated by the state, it is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 220 cubic feet per second, highlighting its importance in flood control and water management efforts in the area. As a key feature along the Yadkin River, the dam contributes to the overall ecosystem health and water supply reliability in the region, making it a vital infrastructure for climate and water resource enthusiasts to monitor and appreciate.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

450

River Or Stream

Yadkin River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.9

Hydraulic Height

19.7

Drainage Area

68

Nid Storage

58

Structural Height

23.8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
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.