Kepley Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kepley Dam, located in Rowan, North Carolina, serves as a crucial water resource structure in the region.


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Summary

This private-owned dam on Draft Branch-Tr River is primarily designated as an Earth dam with a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 25 feet. With a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.5 acres, Kepley Dam plays a significant role in water management in the area.

Despite not being state-regulated, Kepley Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in November 2016. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures remain unspecified. However, its inspection frequency is marked at 0, indicating that regular monitoring and maintenance practices are in place to ensure its integrity and safety for both the environment and the surrounding communities.

With its strategic location and vital role in water storage and management, Kepley Dam stands as a key infrastructure element in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of dams like Kepley in maintaining water supply, flood control, and environmental balance is crucial for sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

Draft Branch-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

25

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.