Hamilton Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mcgee Lake Dam L. Z. Creech Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hamilton Pond Dam, located in Benson, North Carolina, was completed in 1940 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes while also offering recreational opportunities.
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Summary
This private dam on Pole Branch is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, ensuring state oversight in its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. Despite its fair condition assessment as of December 2020, the dam poses a high hazard potential, indicating the need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures.
With a lack of specific physical data such as dam height or storage capacity, Hamilton Pond Dam still stands as a significant piece of water infrastructure in Johnston County. The dam's last inspection in December 2020 highlighted its fair condition, prompting a biennial inspection frequency to monitor any potential changes. While the dam may not be under the jurisdiction of federal agencies, its importance for irrigation and recreation in the local community cannot be overstated, emphasizing the need for ongoing maintenance and safety measures to ensure its continued functionality.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the intricate network of dams in North Carolina, Hamilton Pond Dam stands out for its unique blend of agricultural and recreational utility. Despite its high hazard potential and fair condition, the dam remains a vital asset for the local community's water management needs. With continued state regulation and oversight, Hamilton Pond Dam will likely play a crucial role in sustaining the surrounding ecosystem and supporting the region's water resources for years to come.
Year Completed |
1940 |
River Or Stream |
Pole Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hazard Potential |
High |
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.
Hamilton Pond Dam