Pine Needle Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Summerfield, North Carolina, Pine Needle Dam serves as a crucial water resource for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1997, stands at a structural height of 36.5 feet and has a hydraulic height of 30.9 feet. With a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.8 acres, Pine Needle Dam plays a vital role in the local water management system.

Managed by the Guilford Public Utility, Pine Needle Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources Dam Safety Program. The dam has a low hazard potential and was last inspected in November 2015, with a satisfactory condition assessment. Despite its relatively small size, Pine Needle Dam plays a significant role in safeguarding the surrounding community against potential water-related emergencies and provides essential water resources for various needs.

As a part of the larger Rock Branch tributary system, Pine Needle Dam contributes to the overall water management and conservation efforts in the area. With its strategic location and well-maintained condition, the dam ensures a sustainable water supply for both human and ecological needs while minimizing the risk of potential hazards. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pine Needle Dam serves as a notable example of effective water infrastructure management and the importance of dam safety regulations in ensuring the resilience of water systems.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

Trib to Rock Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.8

Hydraulic Height

30.9

Drainage Area

197

Nid Storage

67

Structural Height

36.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.