Pavillon Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kay Thompson Dam Metcalf Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Pavillon Dam, located in Mill Spring, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1998, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 28 feet, with a length of 130 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and is situated on Britten Creek, within a drainage area of 2592 acres.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of March 2014, Pavillon Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential. The dam's last inspection date was in March 2014, and inspections are conducted every two years to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Dam Safety Program, with the owner responsible for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Pavillon Dam can appreciate its role in providing recreational opportunities while also recognizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. As a key feature in the local landscape, Pavillon Dam highlights the balance between human enjoyment of water resources and the need for responsible stewardship to mitigate potential risks associated with dam structures.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
130 |
River Or Stream |
Britten Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
2592 |
Nid Storage |
123 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Pavillon Dam