Pinehurst Unit 15 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pinehurst Unit 15 Dam, located in Whispering Pines, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure that serves as a recreational resource along Joe's Fork Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1979, stands at a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a structural height of 28 feet, with a length of 600 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 88 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 10 acres and draining a watershed area of 442 acres.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Pinehurst Unit 15 Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam is regularly inspected, with its condition assessed as fair during the last inspection in May 2017. While there are no associated structures or locks, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, attracting visitors to its scenic surroundings. With its moderate size and capacity, the dam adds to the water resource infrastructure of the area, contributing to the management of water flow and storage in the region.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

600

River Or Stream

Joe'S Fork Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

442

Nid Storage

112

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
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.