Tilley Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Tilley Dam, located in Danbury, North Carolina, is a private earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 26.6 feet, this dam on Big Creek-Tr offers a surface area of 1.3 acres and a drainage area of 46 square miles. Its maximum discharge capacity is 1625 cubic feet per second, making it a significant structure in the region.

Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Tilley Dam has been classified as having a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in February 2013. The dam's storage capacity is 17 acre-feet, with normal storage at 9 acre-feet. While there have been no reported modifications or major incidents, the dam stands as a crucial contributor to the local water resources and climate in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tilley Dam represents a valuable recreational asset that also plays a role in managing water flow and storage in the region. Its location and specifications make it an interesting subject for further study and monitoring in the context of climate change and water resource management. With its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition, Tilley Dam stands as a reliable structure that contributes to the overall resilience of the local water infrastructure.

Dam Length

175

River Or Stream

Big Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.3

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

46

Nid Storage

17

Structural Height

26.6

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
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.