Welborn Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Welborn Dam, located in Randleman, North Carolina, serves primarily for irrigation purposes on the Muddy Creek-Tr River.


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Summary

This private dam stands at a hydraulic height of 17.6 feet and a structural height of 20.2 feet, with a length of 320 feet and a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet. Despite its crucial role in water resource management, Welborn Dam has a high hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in poor condition as of March 2021.

Managed by private owners, the dam falls under state jurisdiction and regulation by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. Regular inspections are conducted, with the latest assessment revealing suboptimal conditions. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently unspecified, indicating potential areas for improvement in ensuring the safety and stability of the structure in the face of changing climate conditions.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Welborn Dam presents a case study of the intersection between private ownership, state regulation, and the need for effective risk management in the face of potential hazards. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and oversight of dams like Welborn become increasingly critical to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the sustainable use of water for irrigation and recreation purposes.

Dam Length

320

River Or Stream

Muddy Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.2

Hydraulic Height

17.6

Drainage Area

44

Nid Storage

34

Structural Height

20.2

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

20
       
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.