Philip Turner Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Philip Turner Dam, located in Cleveland, North Carolina, serves as a recreational haven along the First Broad River.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 13.5 feet, with a structural height of 14.9 feet and a length of 197 feet. While its primary purpose is recreation, the dam also contributes to flood control and water management in the region.

Despite not being state-regulated, the dam has a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. In terms of safety measures, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, and there is no information available on risk assessment or management measures. The last inspection conducted on the dam was in January 2019, with an inspection frequency of 0, indicating a potential lack of regular monitoring and maintenance.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Philip Turner Dam presents an intriguing case study in the intersection of recreational use, hazard potential, and the need for proper safety protocols and maintenance. With its location along the First Broad River and its significant hydraulic height, the dam underscores the importance of regular inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety of both the dam structure and the surrounding community.

Dam Length

197

River Or Stream

First Broad River - Trib.

Surface Area

1.5

Hydraulic Height

13.5

Nid Storage

12

Structural Height

14.9

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.