Gary Dellinger Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Gary Dellinger Dam, located in Catawba, North Carolina, is a private-owned earth dam primarily used for recreation on Terrapin Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 2006, the dam stands at a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a structural height of 18.4 feet, with a length of 343 feet. With a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1460 acres, the dam provides a surface area of 7 acres for recreational activities.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Gary Dellinger Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unavailable, highlighting areas for improvement in emergency preparedness and risk management. With its location in a picturesque setting, the dam offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities while also emphasizing the importance of safety and regulatory compliance in maintaining its infrastructure.
Overall, Gary Dellinger Dam serves as a valuable recreational resource in North Carolina, showcasing the intersection between water conservation, climate resilience, and public enjoyment. As a privately-owned structure, the dam's management and maintenance play a crucial role in upholding safety standards and environmental stewardship. With its recent inspection in 2019 and a low hazard potential, the dam continues to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors while highlighting the ongoing importance of monitoring and ensuring the integrity of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
2006 |
Dam Length |
343 |
River Or Stream |
Terrapin Creek - Trib. |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
1460 |
Nid Storage |
61 |
Structural Height |
18.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Gary Dellinger Dam