Gill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gill Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, is a privately owned Earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam has a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Although the dam has a low hazard potential, its condition assessment is considered poor as of the last inspection in December 2018.

Despite its current condition, Gill Dam remains a popular spot for recreational activities, offering a surface area of 5 acres for visitors to enjoy. The dam is situated on the Big Branch-Tr river/stream and is under state regulation by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. Given its location and purpose, Gill Dam presents an opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore the intersection of dam safety, environmental regulations, and recreational land use in the region.

Dam Length

250

River Or Stream

Big Branch-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

22
       
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.