Silver Springs Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Silver Springs Dam, located in Jackson, North Carolina, is a private dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1994, this Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 58 feet and spans 320 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Silver Run Creek-Trail, offering a surface area of 7.4 acres for recreational activities.

Despite its recreational appeal, Silver Springs Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of February 2021. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that inspections, permitting, and enforcement measures are in place. The dam's emergency action plan was last reviewed in November 2010, indicating a need for updated preparedness guidelines to address any potential risks associated with the dam's condition.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Silver Springs Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the importance of proper maintenance and regulation of recreational dams. With its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the resilience and effectiveness of dams like Silver Springs Dam become increasingly crucial in safeguarding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

320

River Or Stream

Silver Run Cr-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.4

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

58

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

58
       
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.