Robin Smith Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Robin Smith Dam, located in Polk, North Carolina, is a privately owned Earth-type dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 2002, this dam stands at a structural height of 49.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 46 feet, with a capacity to store 119 acre-feet of water. The dam is situated on the UT to Little Fall Creek (TR) waterway, within the Wilmington District of North Carolina.
With a hazard potential classified as high, the dam has been assessed as satisfactory as of the last inspection in March 2015. The dam's spillway type, outlet gates, and associated structures are not specified in the data. The dam has a drainage area of 31 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 211 cubic feet per second, serving a surface area of 5.2 acres for recreational purposes.
Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and its Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status is unclear from the available data. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Robin Smith Dam presents an intriguing case study of a recreational dam with significant storage capacity and high hazard potential, situated in the picturesque landscape of Polk, North Carolina.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
287 |
River Or Stream |
UT to Little Fall Creek (TR) |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
46 |
Drainage Area |
31 |
Nid Storage |
119 |
Structural Height |
49.5 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
50 |
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.
Robin Smith Dam