Ellis Crossroads Raw Water Reservoir Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ellis Crossroads Raw Water Reservoir Dam #1, located in Salisbury, North Carolina, serves as a critical infrastructure for water supply in the region.


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Summary

Managed by the Rowan County authorities, this dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. With a hydraulic height of 10.5 feet and a structural height of 13 feet, this earth dam spans a length of 1040 feet and has a storage capacity of 13 acre-feet.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair, with the last inspection conducted in December 2020. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for this reservoir dam was last revised in April 2016. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it remains a crucial component of the water supply system in the area. Overall, Ellis Crossroads Raw Water Reservoir Dam #1 plays a vital role in ensuring water security for the community, with necessary regulatory oversight to uphold its safety standards and emergency preparedness.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management will find Ellis Crossroads Raw Water Reservoir Dam #1 to be a fascinating example of infrastructure designed for water supply purposes. The dam's location on Grants Creek-OS, its association with the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and its primary purpose of water supply highlight its significance in maintaining water resources in Rowan County. As a key piece of the region's water infrastructure, this dam's management, inspection, and emergency preparedness are crucial aspects to ensure the safety and reliability of the water supply for the community.

Dam Length

1040

River Or Stream

Grants Creek-OS

Surface Area

2.5

Hydraulic Height

10.5

Nid Storage

13

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

13
       
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.