Pioneer Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Pioneer Mill Dam, located in Midland, North Carolina, is a significant structure that serves as a fish and wildlife pond.


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Summary

The dam is situated along Caldwell Creek and is managed by the Cabarrus County authorities. With a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 11.1 feet, the dam spans a length of 250 feet and has a storage capacity of 31 acre-feet. Despite not being state-regulated or permitted, the dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.

The dam, constructed of earth material, poses a significant hazard potential due to its size and location. While the condition assessment of Pioneer Mill Dam has not been rated, the last inspection in October 2020 revealed no immediate concerns. With a focus on fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreation purposes, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems and providing recreational opportunities for the community. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring the status and maintenance of Pioneer Mill Dam is essential to ensuring its continued functionality and safety.

As a key feature along Caldwell Creek, Pioneer Mill Dam's existence contributes to the overall health and sustainability of the surrounding environment. With ongoing inspections and a commitment to safety measures, the dam remains a valuable resource for fish and wildlife, recreation, and water management in Cabarrus County. By staying informed and engaged with the management of Pioneer Mill Dam, water resource and climate enthusiasts can play a role in safeguarding this important infrastructure for future generations.

Dam Length

250

River Or Stream

Caldwell Creek - TR

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

31

Structural Height

11.1

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.