Belews Creek Holding Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Belews Creek Holding Basin Dam in Stokes, North Carolina, is a crucial structure owned by a public utility and regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this concrete dam has a hydraulic height of 41 feet and a length of 350 feet. It has a storage capacity of 124 acre-feet and is considered to have a high hazard potential.

Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in July 2020. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in August 2019, indicating a proactive approach to emergency preparedness. With its strategic location and state-mandated inspection, permitting, and enforcement, the Belews Creek Holding Basin Dam stands as a vital structure for water resource management in the region.

Dam Length

350

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Hydraulic Height

41

Nid Storage

124

Structural Height

41

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

41
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.