Merchants Millpond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Merchants Millpond Dam, located in Gates, North Carolina, on Benntees Creek, is a significant earth dam with a hydraulic height of 8 feet and a structural height of 10.5 feet.


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Summary

The dam's primary purpose is for fish and wildlife pond management, as well as other uses. With a storage capacity of 3,100 acre-feet and a surface area of 760 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and water resource management.

Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Merchants Millpond Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure public safety and environmental protection. The dam has a high hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in January 2021. Regular inspections and monitoring are in place to address any potential risks and ensure the dam's continued function and safety.

As a key feature in the local landscape, Merchants Millpond Dam serves as not only a water resource but also a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the dam's role in enhancing biodiversity and supporting fish and wildlife populations in the area. With its historical significance and environmental impact, Merchants Millpond Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems in the region.

Dam Length

2500

River Or Stream

Benntees Creek

Surface Area

760

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

12000

Nid Storage

3100

Structural Height

10.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

11
       
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.