Mountain Camp Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Mountain Camp Dam, located in Macon, North Carolina, is a significant earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation along Turtle Pond Creek.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 16.4 feet and a structural height of 18.4 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 7 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 5 acre-feet. The dam, completed in an unspecified year, covers a surface area of 1 acre and measures 178 feet in length.

Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Mountain Camp Dam is state-regulated and inspected, ensuring its compliance with safety standards. The dam is deemed to have a significant hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in August 2016. While there are no associated structures or locks, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment details are not readily available, suggesting a need for further scrutiny and preparedness.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mountain Camp Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and safety. Its location in the picturesque city of Franklin, North Carolina, offers a backdrop for understanding the intersection of recreational water use and environmental conservation. With its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections, emergency preparedness, and risk mitigation strategies in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.

Dam Length

178

River Or Stream

Turtle Pond Creek

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

16.4

Nid Storage

7

Structural Height

18.4

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.