Gupton - Kirsch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gupton-Kirsch is a privately owned earth dam located on the Neuse River-Tr in Wake, North Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1987 for recreational purposes, this dam stands at a hydraulic height of 14.8 feet and a structural height of 14.8 feet. With a length of 190 feet, Gupton-Kirsch plays a significant role in providing recreational opportunities for the local community.

Despite not being state regulated, Gupton-Kirsch has a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. The last inspection took place in March 1987, and the dam does not have an emergency action plan in place. While the dam meets recreational purposes, there is a need for further assessment and risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gupton-Kirsch serves as an interesting case study of a privately owned dam that provides recreational benefits but also poses potential risks due to its significant hazard potential and lack of regulatory oversight. As discussions around dam safety and management continue, there is a need to prioritize the assessment and maintenance of structures like Gupton-Kirsch to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the sustainability of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

190

River Or Stream

Neuse River-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

14.8

Structural Height

14.8

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.