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