Deese Road Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Deese Road Dam, located in Stanly, North Carolina, is a significant local government-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This earth-type dam on Curl Tail Creek Tributary stands at a hydraulic height of 4.8 feet and a structural height of 14.8 feet, providing a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet. Despite its relatively modest size, the dam's hazard potential is rated as high, with an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of December 2020.

The dam, with a length of 340 feet and a surface area of 10.3 acres, plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Although the exact year of completion is unknown, the dam is monitored and regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring that state inspection, enforcement, and permitting standards are met. With its proximity to the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Deese Road Dam serves as a key recreational and water management asset in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Deese Road Dam offers a fascinating case study in local dam infrastructure and its role in providing recreation and water management services. With its high hazard potential and unsatisfactory condition, the dam highlights the importance of regular inspection and maintenance to ensure public safety and efficient water resource management. As an earth-type dam on a tributary of Curl Tail Creek, Deese Road Dam represents a critical piece of the region's water infrastructure, supported by state and federal regulatory agencies to uphold safety and environmental standards.

Dam Length

340

River Or Stream

Curl Tail Creek - Trib.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.3

Hydraulic Height

4.8

Drainage Area

100

Nid Storage

61

Structural Height

14.8

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

15
       
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.