Little River Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little River is a historic hydroelectric dam located in Montgomery, North Carolina, constructed in 1919 by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 31 feet with a length of 353 feet, the dam serves as a gravity structure utilizing a combination of masonry and stone materials, with a buttress core and rock foundation. This dam plays a crucial role in harnessing the power of the Little River for hydroelectric purposes, providing storage of 496 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 5,808 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Little River has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. It operates an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 242 feet and a surface area of 49 acres, serving a drainage area of 195 square miles. The dam's condition assessment is currently not available, but it undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Although not state-regulated, Little River remains a significant part of North Carolina's water resource infrastructure, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such historical structures in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1919

Dam Length

353

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

Little River

Surface Area

49

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

195

Nid Storage

496

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

31
       
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.