Matthews Dam dam
Matthews Dam
Matthews Dam, located on Hicks Branch in Sampson County, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure primarily designated for recreation purposes. Built in 1987 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 17 feet with a hydraulic height of 13 feet, providing a storage capacity of 170 acre-feet and a normal storage of 130 acre-feet. With a surface area of 25 acres and a drainage area of 426 square miles, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities and water recreation.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Matthews Dam is subject to periodic inspections to ensure its continued safety and integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks, emphasizing its focus on recreation rather than flood control. In 2013, the structure was last inspected, and while it meets regulatory requirements, there is a moderate risk associated with its operation which highlights the need for ongoing risk management measures to maintain the dam's functionality and safety for both visitors and the surrounding environment.
As a significant landmark in the area, Matthews Dam represents a harmonious blend of water resource management and recreational opportunities. Situated within the Wilmington District and overlooking the scenic Hicks Branch, this dam serves as a testament to the balance between human enjoyment and environmental conservation. With its historical significance, moderate risk assessment, and continued maintenance, Matthews Dam remains a cherished destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to appreciate the beauty and functionality of dam infrastructure.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Matthews Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Black River Near Tomahawk | 38 cfs | → |
| Northeast Cape Fear River Near Chinquapin | 20 cfs | → |
| Neuse River Near Goldsboro | 269 cfs | → |
| Bear Creek At Mays Store | 98 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Princeton | 5 cfs | → |
| Neuse River At Kinston | 336 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Matthews Dam.
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
- Sloan’S Bridge Boating Access Area
- Gazebo On The Pond
- Beaverdam Run
- Buckhead Creek
- Buckhorn Reservoir
- Big Creek
Track Matthews Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Matthews Dam
Where does the data for Matthews Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Matthews Dam.