Harold Turner Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Union, North Carolina, the Harold Turner Dam is a private-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 14.7 feet and a structural height of 16.4 feet, this earth-type dam holds a storage capacity of 27.6 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 4.1 acres for water activities. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam poses a significant hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance.
Situated on the Reason Branch-Tr river, the Harold Turner Dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 60.9 cubic feet per second, serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its last inspection in December 2019 highlighted the need for continued monitoring and emergency preparedness. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role of the Harold Turner Dam in providing recreational opportunities while recognizing the importance of its ongoing maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
As water resource management becomes increasingly vital in the face of climate change, the Harold Turner Dam stands as a significant infrastructure in Union, North Carolina. While currently not state-regulated or permitted, the dam's presence on the Reason Branch-Tr river underscores the need for effective risk assessment and management measures to mitigate potential hazards. With its location in a picturesque setting and its crucial role in water storage and discharge, the Harold Turner Dam serves as a focal point for both recreation and environmental stewardship in the region.
River Or Stream |
Reason Branch-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
14.7 |
Drainage Area |
16.8 |
Nid Storage |
27.6 |
Structural Height |
16.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Harold Turner Dam