Hugh Chatham Hospital Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Hugh Chatham Hospital Dam, located in Elkin, North Carolina, stands as a vital structure along Dutchman Creek-Tr for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring its compliance with state regulations. The dam's hydraulic height measures at 37.5 feet, with a structural height of 58.7 feet, providing a storage capacity of 171.4 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 7.3 acres.
Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 indicated poor structural integrity, highlighting the need for regular inspections and potential maintenance or repairs to ensure its safety. With a drainage area of 70 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 130 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The presence of Virginia Foxx (R) as the congressional representative underscores the importance of the dam within the local community and its impact on water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor the state of Hugh Chatham Hospital Dam, its role in providing recreational opportunities while managing water flow along Dutchman Creek-Tr remains essential. With a focus on safety and compliance with state regulations, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for the region, highlighting the intersection of human activities and environmental stewardship. As efforts are made to address the dam's poor condition assessment and ensure its long-term viability, stakeholders are reminded of the critical role such structures play in maintaining water security and climate resilience in North Carolina.
Dam Length |
325 |
River Or Stream |
Dutchman Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
37.5 |
Drainage Area |
70 |
Nid Storage |
171.4 |
Structural Height |
58.7 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
59 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Hugh Chatham Hospital Dam
Bartlett Street 152, Northborough