Charles Naylor Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Charles Naylor Dam, located in Clinton, North Carolina, is a private irrigation dam designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1985.
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Summary
The dam, made of earth and stone, stands at a hydraulic height of 24.3 feet and spans 400 feet in length. Its primary purpose is irrigation, serving the Merkle Swamp-Tr river system with a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet.
Although the dam is uncontrolled, with uncontrolled outlet gates and a spillway, it presents a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition since a 2012 assessment. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been deemed to require any specific risk management measures. The surrounding area, with a drainage area of 140 square miles, benefits from the dam's surface area of 7 acres and its normal storage capacity of 20 acre-feet.
The Charles Naylor Dam stands as a vital resource for the local agricultural community in Sampson County, North Carolina. Its construction and operation by the Natural Resources Conservation Service ensure a reliable source of water for irrigation purposes, contributing to the sustainability of the region's farming practices. While the dam's condition remains unassessed in recent years, its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment suggest that it continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the area.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
400 |
River Or Stream |
Merkle Swamp-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
24.3 |
Drainage Area |
140 |
Nid Storage |
98 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Neuse River Near Goldsboro
|
1460cfs |
Little River Near Princeton
|
84cfs |
Cape Fear River At Lillington
|
711cfs |
Black River Near Tomahawk
|
668cfs |
Middle Creek Near Clayton
|
54cfs |
Cape Fear R At Wilm O Huske Lock Nr Tarheel
|
1860cfs |
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.
Charles Naylor Dam