John Painter Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

John Painter Dam, located in Guilford County, North Carolina, is a private earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 10.2 feet and a structural height of 17.5 feet, this dam on Rock Creek-Tr provides a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 33 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program to ensure public safety.

The dam, with a length of 525 feet and a surface area of 8 acres, was last inspected in November 2019 and is subject to biennial inspections. While it lacks certain features such as spillways and outlet gates, the dam remains crucial for recreational activities in the area. Situated within the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, John Painter Dam is a key structure for water resource management and climate enthusiasts interested in the conservation and utilization of water resources in North Carolina.

As a privately owned dam in a state regulated and permitted setting, John Painter Dam showcases the importance of collaboration between dam owners, regulatory agencies, and local communities in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure. With its picturesque location and vital role in providing recreational opportunities, this dam stands as a reminder of the intricate balance between water resource management and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate patterns.

Dam Length

525

River Or Stream

Rock Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

10.2

Nid Storage

56

Structural Height

17.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

18
       
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.