Bolden Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bolden Dam, located in Rockingham, North Carolina, along Buffalo Creek, is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
The dam, with an earth-type construction, stands at a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 27.6 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 36 acre-feet. With a surface area of 4 acres and a drainage area of 184 square miles, Bolden Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential, Bolden Dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, with the last inspection conducted in February 2018. The dam is under state regulation by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspection, permitting, and enforcement. The dam's proximity to the city of Eden, just 9.9 miles away, makes it a vital infrastructure for local water resource management and climate enthusiasts interested in monitoring its maintenance and risk management measures for the future.
Dam Length |
200 |
River Or Stream |
Buffalo Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
184 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
27.6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mayo River Near Price
|
132cfs |
North Mayo River Near Spencer
|
61cfs |
Smith River At Eden
|
222cfs |
Dan River Near Wentworth
|
559cfs |
Smith River At Martinsville
|
149cfs |
South Mayo River Near Nettleridge
|
51cfs |
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.
Bolden Dam