Beam Road Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beam Road Dam, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a private structure regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.


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Summary

The dam is situated on Sugar Creek and serves a primary purpose that falls under the category of "Other," with a hydraulic height of 16.5 feet. Despite its relatively small size, Beam Road Dam has a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of January 2020.

With a storage capacity of 19 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.2 acres, Beam Road Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the surrounding area. However, its condition assessment and hazard potential highlight the importance of regular inspection and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. The dam's last inspection took place in January 2020, with an inspection frequency of every two years.

As a key feature on Sugar Creek, Beam Road Dam serves as a vital component of the local water infrastructure. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find interest in the ongoing regulatory oversight and maintenance challenges associated with this privately owned dam. The dam's location in Mecklenburg County, its high hazard potential, and its poor condition assessment underscore the need for continued monitoring and investment in its upkeep to protect downstream communities and the surrounding environment.

River Or Stream

Sugar Creek

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

2.2

Hydraulic Height

16.5

Drainage Area

96

Nid Storage

19

Structural Height

16.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
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.