Unimin Dike #5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Unimin Dike #5, located in Richmond, North Carolina, is a private earth dam completed in 1990 with a primary purpose of tailings management.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a structural height of 30 feet and a hydraulic height of 27 feet, has a storage capacity of 384 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 345.6 acre-feet. This dam, situated on Clay Branch - Os, serves a crucial role in water resource management in the area.

While Unimin Dike #5 has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition, it is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one being in March 2017, to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the dam. Additionally, the dam has emergency action plans in place to address any potential risks or incidents that may arise, indicating a proactive approach to risk management.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Unimin Dike #5 offers a fascinating case study in tailings management and dam infrastructure in North Carolina. Its role in water storage and management, coupled with its regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness measures, make it a noteworthy site for those interested in the intersection of water resources, climate change, and infrastructure resilience.

Year Completed

1990

River Or Stream

Clay Branch - Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

27

Nid Storage

384

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.