Metcalf Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kay Thompson Dam Jordan Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Metcalf Dam, located in Polk, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1984, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a structural height of 25.5 feet, with a length of 165 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 17 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1.9 acres. It is situated on Walnut Creek-Tr and is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Metcalf Dam is regularly inspected with a frequency of every 5 years. The most recent assessment in January 2019 rated its condition as fair. The dam has not had any emergency action plans prepared or inundation maps created, indicating a potential area for improvement in terms of risk management and emergency response. Overall, Metcalf Dam serves as a vital resource for fire protection and aquatic habitat in the region, with room for enhanced safety measures to ensure its continued functionality and resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
165 |
River Or Stream |
Walnut Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
17 |
Structural Height |
25.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Metcalf Dam