Cecil Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cecil Dam #1, located in Guilford County, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1968.


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Summary

The dam serves a primary purpose of recreation, providing a surface area of 9 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 84 acre-feet. It is situated on Richland Creek-Tr, with a drainage area of 200 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 450 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating, Cecil Dam #1 has not been rated for its condition and has not undergone a recent inspection as of November 2020. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a hydraulic height of 18.8 feet and a structural height of 23.3 feet. While there are no associated structures or locks, the dam offers opportunities for recreational activities in the area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may be intrigued by Cecil Dam #1 for its historical significance as a recreational site and its impact on the local ecosystem. The dam's presence in the Wilmington District adds to the diversity of water management structures in the region, contributing to the overall water resource management efforts in North Carolina. As a privately owned facility, the dam's maintenance and safety protocols are crucial to ensure its continued functionality and safety for both recreational users and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

380

River Or Stream

Richland Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

18.8

Drainage Area

200

Nid Storage

84

Structural Height

23.3

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.