Big Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Pond in North Carolina is a private water supply dam with a height of 30 feet, serving as a vital resource for the local community in Ansonville.


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Summary

The dam is primarily used for water supply purposes and is regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Despite its significant hazard potential, the condition assessment of Big Pond is currently not available, raising questions about its safety and maintenance.

Located in Stanly County, Big Pond is managed by a private owner and is not under state jurisdiction or regulation. The dam's construction and operational details remain unspecified, with no information available on its storage capacity or drainage area. With no recent inspection data or emergency action plan in place, concerns about the dam's structural integrity and readiness for potential hazards linger, highlighting the importance of proactive risk management measures for water resource enthusiasts.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Big Pond presents a case study of a privately owned dam with limited oversight and transparency in terms of its condition and safety protocols. The lack of available information on the dam's construction, storage capacity, and inspection history underscores the need for increased regulatory scrutiny and risk assessment to ensure the continued reliability and safety of this essential water supply infrastructure in North Carolina.

Dam Height

30

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.