Ollie Neal Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ollie Neal Dam, located in Eden, North Carolina, on Jacobs Creek-Tr, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 25.1 feet and has a structural height of 29.3 feet, providing a storage capacity of 43 acre-feet. With a surface area of 3.7 acres and a drainage area of 60 square miles, the dam serves as a crucial water resource for the region.

Despite being non-federally regulated, Ollie Neal Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of its last assessment in 2014. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unreported, indicating a potential area of improvement in terms of preparedness for unforeseen events. Additionally, the dam does not have associated structures or locks, emphasizing its sole purpose of irrigation and limited recreational use.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Ollie Neal Dam to be an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam designed for irrigation purposes. Situated in Rockingham County, North Carolina, this dam plays a vital role in water management and agricultural activities in the region, despite its relatively small storage capacity. The dam's condition, hazard potential, and emergency preparedness present opportunities for further research and potential enhancements to its operational and safety protocols.

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

Jacobs Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.7

Hydraulic Height

25.1

Drainage Area

60

Nid Storage

43

Structural Height

29.3

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
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.