Sidden Lower Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sidden Lower Dam, located in Traphill, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Situated on Double Creek-Tr, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 26.3 feet and a structural height of 28.5 feet, with a total length of 129 feet. The dam has a NID storage capacity of 22.8 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 21 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 2 acres and draining a watershed area of 55 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Sidden Lower Dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in May 2019. The dam is not state-regulated or permitted, but it undergoes regular state inspections. With a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a key recreational spot while also contributing to the local water resource management in Wilkes County. Water and climate enthusiasts will find this structure to be an interesting feature in the region's landscape.

Dam Length

129

River Or Stream

Double Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

26.3

Drainage Area

55

Nid Storage

22.8

Structural Height

28.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds