Samonds Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Samonds Dam, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a private earth dam with a primary purpose of serving as a fish and wildlife pond.


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Summary

The dam measures 12.7 feet in structural height and 8.2 feet in hydraulic height, with a length of 280 feet and a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet. The dam also covers a surface area of 2.7 acres and is associated with an unnamed tributary to Irwin Creek.

The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in December 2019 deemed it satisfactory. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in October 2016, and the dam is subject to regular inspections every two years.

Overall, Samonds Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the intricate regulatory framework and engineering considerations involved in managing a structure that serves both environmental and recreational purposes. Its location in Mecklenburg County, along with its functional design and storage capacity, make it a valuable asset for the local ecosystem and an essential component of water resource management in the region.

Dam Length

280

River Or Stream

Unnamed tributary to Irwin Cre

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.7

Hydraulic Height

8.2

Drainage Area

63

Nid Storage

21

Structural Height

12.7

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

13
       
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.