Sherrill's Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Gaston, North Carolina, Sherrill's Dam is a private structure built in 1955 along the South Fork Catawba River.


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Summary

With a structural height of 34.7 feet and a length of 270 feet, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond. The dam has a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres.

Even though Sherrill's Dam is not regulated by the state and has a low hazard potential, it is regularly inspected to ensure its safety and functionality. The last inspection in October 2016 deemed the dam's condition as "Not Rated," indicating a need for further assessment. Despite its basic design and lack of advanced features like spillways or outlet gates, Sherrill's Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and recreational activities in the area.

In terms of emergency preparedness, there is no detailed plan or established contact information available for Sherrill's Dam. However, its location within a residential area underscores the importance of maintaining the dam's integrity and monitoring potential risks associated with its operation. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the condition and management of structures like Sherrill's Dam is essential for promoting sustainable water usage and environmental conservation efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

270

River Or Stream

South Fork Catawba

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Nid Storage

30

Structural Height

34.7

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

35
       
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.