Anchors Landing Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Anchors Landing Upper, also known as Upper Heron Lake, is a private recreational dam located in Caldwell, North Carolina.


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Summary

Managed by the NC Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources, this earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 33 feet with a hydraulic height of 27 feet. Completed in 2001, it offers a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres, fed by Gunpowder Creek-Tr. Despite its scenic appeal, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and is currently rated as being in poor condition.

The dam's last inspection in December 2020 highlighted the need for improvements to ensure its safety and functionality. With a history of state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, Anchors Landing Upper serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining aging infrastructure to mitigate risks of potential failure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find interest in the ongoing efforts to address the dam's condition assessment and the need for emergency action planning to meet established guidelines.

As a part of the recreational landscape in North Carolina, Anchors Landing Upper offers a tranquil retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, but its structural challenges underscore the critical role of proactive maintenance and risk management in ensuring the safety of water resources and infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

2001

Dam Length

280

River Or Stream

Gunpowder Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

150

Nid Storage

40

Structural Height

33

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

33
       
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.