Walden Pond Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Walden Pond Dam #1, located in Union, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1972 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 29 feet, with a length of 800 feet. It has a storage capacity of 185.6 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 147.2 acre-feet, serving the Tarkill Branch-Tr river/stream.

Despite its age, Walden Pond Dam #1 has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in November 2019. The dam is state-regulated and inspected regularly by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With its picturesque location and recreational purpose, this dam serves as both a vital water resource and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the area.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Walden Pond Dam #1 are crucial in ensuring their resilience against the changing environment. With proper management and regulatory oversight, this dam can continue to provide recreational opportunities while safeguarding the surrounding community from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

800

River Or Stream

Tarkill Branch-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

367

Nid Storage

185.6

Structural Height

29

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