Carpenter Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dunbar Dam Simmons & Jones Dam
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Carpenter Dam is a private-owned structure located in Dobson, North Carolina, along Cooks Creek-Tr.
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Summary
This earth dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a stock or small fish pond. With a hydraulic height of 14.3 feet and a structural height of 16.7 feet, this dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and storage within its 1.2-acre surface area and a drainage area of 27 square miles.
Managed by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, Carpenter Dam is regularly inspected to ensure its fair condition and high hazard potential are managed effectively. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 8 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 12 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area. With a history dating back to an undisclosed completion year, Carpenter Dam stands as a critical infrastructure for the region's water resource management and conservation efforts.
The dam's location in Surry County, North Carolina, underlines its significance in the local ecosystem and community. As a regulated and permitted structure with state jurisdiction, Carpenter Dam's enforcement, inspection, and permitting processes are overseen by the NC Department of Environmental Quality. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate Carpenter Dam's role in safeguarding water supply, mitigating flood risk, and supporting biodiversity in the region.
Dam Length |
290 |
River Or Stream |
Cooks Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
14.3 |
Drainage Area |
27 |
Nid Storage |
12 |
Structural Height |
16.7 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Fisher River Near Copeland
|
177cfs |
Ararat River At Ararat
|
138cfs |
Mitchell River Near State Road
|
57cfs |
Chestnut Creek At Galax
|
34cfs |
Yadkin River At Elkin
|
728cfs |
New River Near Galax
|
796cfs |
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.
Carpenter Dam