Ballis Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Boykin Lake Dam Best Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ballis Dam, located in Sampson, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure on Great Coharie Creek-Tr that serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam, primarily constructed of earth, stands at a hydraulic height of 14.44 feet and a structural height of 19.91 feet, with a length of 637 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 76.45 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9.6 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Ballis Dam has not been inspected since July 2012. The dam is not regulated by the state and does not have a permit for operation, although it has undergone state inspection. The surrounding area, including the city of Clinton, benefits from the dam's functions and its role in providing water resources for various uses. The dam's location on Great Coharie Creek-Tr contributes to the ecosystem's health and biodiversity, making it a crucial element in the region's water resource management.
As an essential component of water resource infrastructure in Sampson County, Ballis Dam serves as a vital resource for maintaining fire protection, sustaining livestock, and fostering aquatic life. Its strategic location and design play a significant role in supporting the surrounding communities, demonstrating the importance of sound dam management practices in ensuring water security and climate resilience in the region. Efforts to maintain and monitor the dam should be prioritized to uphold its functionality and safeguard the environment and local economies that rely on its services.
Dam Length |
637 |
River Or Stream |
Great Coharie Creek- Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
14.44 |
Nid Storage |
76.45 |
Structural Height |
19.91 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Black River Near Tomahawk
|
593cfs |
Cape Fear R At Wilm O Huske Lock Nr Tarheel
|
2030cfs |
Northeast Cape Fear River Near Chinquapin
|
624cfs |
Big Swamp Nr Tarheel
|
103cfs |
Neuse River Near Goldsboro
|
895cfs |
Cape Fear R At Lock #1 Nr Kelly
|
2480cfs |
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.
Ballis Dam