Van Martin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Van Martin Dam, also known as Martin's Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Mayodan, North Carolina, along the Tr-Mayo River.


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Summary

Built in 1980 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches 586 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 24 acre-feet primarily used for irrigation purposes. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

The dam's spillway, with a width of 37 feet, is uncontrolled, and it has an uncontrolled outlet gate system. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 0.04 square miles and a surface area of 2 acres. Despite limited information on its current condition assessment, the dam is subject to inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While there are no associated structures with the dam, its primary purpose is for irrigation and secondary purposes include fish and wildlife pond support.

Van Martin Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and irrigation in the region, contributing to the conservation of water for agricultural activities. With its location within Rockingham County, North Carolina, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for local water supply and wildlife habitat preservation along the Tr-Mayo River. As a privately owned structure, the dam reflects the collaboration between private ownership and governmental agencies like the USDA NRCS in ensuring sustainable water resource utilization for the community.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

586

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

Tr- Mayo River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.04

Nid Storage

24

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.