Welborn Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Welborn Lake Dam, located in Yadkinville, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure primarily designed for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Constructed in 1981 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 22 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 156 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 13.4 acres, serving as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Welborn Lake Dam is regulated and inspected by various state agencies, including NCDEQ's Dam Safety Program. The dam is situated along the North Deep Creek-Tr stream and is part of the Huntington District's jurisdiction. With a drainage area of 288 square miles and a maximum discharge of 472 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region while offering recreational opportunities for visitors.

While the dam has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, it has not undergone major modifications since its completion. Regular inspections are conducted every five years to ensure its safety and structural integrity. Despite moderate risk levels, the dam's management measures remain unspecified, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

270

River Or Stream

North Deep Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.4

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

288

Nid Storage

156

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.