Gillespie Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Gillespie Dam, located in Dobson, North Carolina, is a private earth dam built in 1978 primarily for irrigation purposes on the Fisher River.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 22.1 feet and a structural height of 26.7 feet, this dam has a normal storage capacity of 16 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 140 square miles. The dam stands at 256 feet in length and has a surface area of 2.2 acres, providing essential water resources for agricultural needs in the region.
Despite being privately owned, Gillespie Dam is subject to state inspection, ensuring its structural integrity and compliance with safety regulations. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, the dam plays a crucial role in the local water management system. Although it has not been modified in recent years and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), the dam's last inspection in November 2014 indicated its overall stability and safety measures, reassuring water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
Supported by the Huntington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Gillespie Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water supply and irrigation in Surry County. Its association with the Fisher River and the significant storage capacity it provides further highlights its importance in sustaining agricultural activities in the region. As efforts continue to monitor and maintain the dam's condition, Gillespie Dam stands as a key landmark in water resource management and climate resilience in North Carolina.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
256 |
River Or Stream |
Fisher River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
22.1 |
Drainage Area |
140 |
Nid Storage |
22 |
Structural Height |
26.7 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Fisher River Near Copeland
|
177cfs |
Mitchell River Near State Road
|
57cfs |
Ararat River At Ararat
|
138cfs |
Yadkin River At Elkin
|
706cfs |
Little Yadkin River At Dalton
|
16cfs |
Chestnut Creek At Galax
|
33cfs |
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.
Gillespie Dam