R.S. Jones Jr Upper Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Located in Macon, North Carolina, the R.S.


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Summary

Jones Jr Upper Dam is a privately owned structure that serves as a recreational site along the Wallace Branch-Tr river. Standing at a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, this earth dam spans 235 feet with a storage capacity of 12 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 1.5 acres for visitors to enjoy.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of November 2018, the R.S. Jones Jr Upper Dam poses a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures are in place to mitigate risks. While there have been no modifications in recent years, the dam remains a vital part of the local landscape, providing both recreational opportunities and water resource management in the area.

With its scenic location and crucial role in water management, the R.S. Jones Jr Upper Dam stands as a notable structure in Macon County. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and regulation of such dams become increasingly essential. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate science can appreciate the significance of the R.S. Jones Jr Upper Dam in balancing recreation with safety and environmental stewardship in the region.

Dam Length

235

River Or Stream

Wallace Branch-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

160

Nid Storage

12

Structural Height

20

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.