Kimball Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kimball Dam, also known as Little Acres Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Henderson, North Carolina, specifically in the city of Mills River.


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Summary

This dam, primarily designed for recreation purposes, stands at a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 29 feet. It has a length of 200 feet and a storage capacity of 23 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 14 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.5 acres. The dam, constructed with an earth-type design, is associated with the Mills River-Tr river/stream.

Despite its low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Kimball Dam is deemed unsatisfactory as of May 2019. The dam has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in May 2019. While it is not state-regulated or permitted, the dam is inspected by the state authorities. The dam does not have a risk management plan in place, and there are no emergency action plans or inundation maps prepared for potential risks. With its picturesque location and recreation-focused design, Kimball Dam serves as both a functional structure and a potential area for improvement in terms of safety and risk management.

Dam Length

200

River Or Stream

Mills River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

20

Nid Storage

23

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.