Jamesford Meadows Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Jamesford Meadows Dam, also known as Southern Life Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Jamestown, North Carolina.


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Summary

This Earth dam serves a primary purpose of recreation, with a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 26 feet. The dam stands at a length of 200 feet and holds a storage capacity of 29 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 18 acre-feet.

Situated on the Long Branch-Tr river, Jamesford Meadows Dam has a hazard potential rated as high, yet its condition assessment remains satisfactory. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last inspection taking place in April 2020. The dam is state regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring compliance with safety and enforcement measures to protect the surrounding community and environment.

With a surface area of 2.8 acres and a drainage area of 162 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Its significance extends beyond recreation, serving as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water supply management. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the resilience and maintenance of structures like Jamesford Meadows Dam are imperative for sustainable water management practices in Guilford County and beyond.

Dam Length

200

River Or Stream

Long Branch-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.8

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

162

Nid Storage

29

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.