Jordan Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Jordan Dam, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, along the Gum Branch-Tr river, is a private-owned earth dam primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 19 feet, this dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 15.8 acre-feet with a surface area of 2.08 acres and a drainage area of 16.2 square miles. The dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in February 2020.

Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Jordan Dam is subject to state regulations including permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is monitored regularly to ensure safety standards are met. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining its integrity for both public safety and environmental conservation efforts.

Overall, Jordan Dam stands as a significant landmark in Mecklenburg County, offering recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. With its unique location and structural design, the dam represents a blend of human ingenuity and natural beauty, while also serving as a reminder of the intricate relationship between water resources, climate conditions, and infrastructure development in the region.

Dam Length

162

River Or Stream

Gum Branch-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.08

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

16.2

Nid Storage

15.8

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

19
       
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.