Holly Course Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Holly Course Dam, nestled in Moore County, North Carolina, serves as a key recreational resource along the Sandy Run Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1996, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a structural height of 17.5 feet and boasts a hydraulic height of 12 feet. With a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet, the dam offers a serene surface area of 9 acres for visitors to enjoy.

Despite its low hazard potential, Holly Course Dam undergoes regular inspections, with the most recent assessment in 2017 revealing a fair condition. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, specifically the Dam Safety Program, ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement regulations. Additionally, the dam is located within the jurisdiction of the state and is subject to state oversight.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Holly Course Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and recreational development. Its role in providing both leisure activities and essential water storage highlights the intersection of human infrastructure with environmental stewardship. As visitors enjoy the beauty of Sandy Run Creek, the dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management in the heart of North Carolina.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

250

River Or Stream

Sandy Run Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

576

Nid Storage

63

Structural Height

17.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.