Old Peel Farm Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Old Peel Farm Dam, located in Hamilton, North Carolina, is a private irrigation structure built in 1960 on the Roanoke-Tr river.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a primary purpose of irrigation, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet and has a hydraulic height of 23 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 11 acres, serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding agricultural lands.

Despite being non-federally regulated, Old Peel Farm Dam has been inspected and deemed to have a low hazard potential. The dam's condition assessment remains unrated since its last inspection in 2005. While it does not have a formal Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the structure meets guidelines for safety and risk management. With its historical significance and impact on local irrigation and recreation, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of Old Peel Farm Dam as a vital irrigation infrastructure in Martin County. As climate change continues to impact water availability and usage patterns, maintaining and monitoring structures like this earth dam becomes increasingly crucial. With its low hazard potential and historical importance, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in managing water resources for a sustainable future.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

175

River Or Stream

Roanoke-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

110

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.