Gibson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gibson Dam, located in Randleman, North Carolina, is a private earth dam on Polecat Creek-Tr that serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam has a hydraulic height of 13.3 feet and a structural height of 15.6 feet, with a storage capacity of 19 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and its Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

Despite having a fair condition assessment as of February 2021, Gibson Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential. The dam's last inspection date was in February 2021, with a regular inspection frequency of twice a year. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, it is important to note that the dam is closely monitored to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the structure. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Gibson Dam to be an interesting case study in dam management and regulation within the state of North Carolina.

Dam Length

287

River Or Stream

Polecat Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

13.3

Drainage Area

50

Nid Storage

19

Structural Height

15.6

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

16
       
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.