Bynum - Canal Embankment Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Bynum - Canal Embankment is a historic earth dam located in Bynum, North Carolina, along the Haw River.


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Summary

Built in 1874 for hydroelectric purposes, this dam stands at 8 feet in height and stretches 500 feet in length, providing storage of up to 100 acre-feet of water. The dam is privately owned and operated, with no state jurisdiction or regulation, but falls under the oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Despite its low hazard potential, the Bynum - Canal Embankment poses a high risk, with a risk assessment rating of 2. The dam features two Tainter (radial) outlet gates and has a condition assessment listed as Not Available. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it undergoes inspections every three years, with the last inspection conducted in February 2018. Emergency action plans have been prepared for this dam, with the most recent revision made in March 2021.

Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate change will find the Bynum - Canal Embankment to be a captivating historical structure with a unique purpose in hydroelectric energy generation. The dam's location along the Haw River in Chatham County, North Carolina, offers a picturesque setting for studying the intersection of human infrastructure with natural waterways and ecosystems. With its long history and ongoing operation under federal oversight, this dam serves as a valuable case study in the management and maintenance of aging water infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1874

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Haw River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

8

Nid Storage

100

Structural Height

8

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 2

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.