Old Fort Water Supply Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Old Fort Water Supply Dam, located in McDowell County, North Carolina, is a vital structure for providing water to the community of Old Fort.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This concrete dam on Mill Creek has a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 25 feet, with a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet. The dam is owned by a private entity and is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.

The dam's primary purpose is water supply, and it is classified as having a significant hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2018. The dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, indicating a simpler design compared to other dams. Despite its smaller size and capacity, the Old Fort Water Supply Dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for the local community and highlights the importance of maintaining and regulating dams for water resource management and climate resilience.

With its location in a picturesque setting near Old Fort, North Carolina, this dam serves as a reminder of the intersection between infrastructure, water resources, and environmental stewardship. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the Old Fort Water Supply Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage and protect our vital water resources for future generations.

Dam Length

75

River Or Stream

Mill Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

30

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.