Arnold Palmer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Arnold Palmer Dam, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure built in 1987 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

It stands as an earth-type dam with a hydraulic height of 12.5 feet and a structural height of 23.4 feet, impounding the Briar Creek-Tr river. With a storage capacity of 9.4 acre-feet and a drainage area of 288 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water resource management and flood control in the region.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Arnold Palmer Dam undergoes regular inspections and enforcement by state regulatory agencies like NCDEQ and DEMLR's Dam Safety Program. The dam's emergency action plan is up-to-date, ensuring that safety measures are in place in case of any unforeseen events. With Alma S. Adams (D) as the representative, the dam's risk management measures and potential risks are continuously monitored to safeguard the surrounding communities and environment from any potential threats.

Overall, Arnold Palmer Dam serves as a vital structure in the water resource management of Mecklenburg, North Carolina, providing a safe recreational environment while also addressing critical flood control needs. Its strategic location, sturdy design, and regulatory oversight highlight its importance in ensuring water security and safety for the region's residents and natural habitats.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

260

River Or Stream

Briar Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

12.5

Drainage Area

288

Nid Storage

9.4

Structural Height

23.4

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

23
       
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.