Nelson Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Phillips Pond Dam Dewitt Gaddy Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Nelson Lake Dam, located in McFarlan, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1945, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet with a hydraulic height of 16 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the Whortleberry Creek-Os, offering a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Nelson Lake Dam has not been regulated by the state authorities in terms of permitting and enforcement. The last inspection conducted on the dam was in March 2013, and no significant modifications or risk assessment measures have been reported since. While the dam poses minimal risk, its historical significance and contribution to the local water supply and recreation make it a notable landmark in Anson County, North Carolina.
As a key feature in the Charleston District, Nelson Lake Dam provides a serene environment for outdoor activities and water-based recreation. With its normal storage capacity of 45 acre-feet and a surface area of 5 acres, the dam offers a tranquil escape for visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature while also recognizing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
510 |
River Or Stream |
Whortleberry Ck-Os |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pee Dee R Nr Rockingham
|
1830cfs |
Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville
|
2460cfs |
Black Creek Near Mcbee
|
108cfs |
Rocky River Near Norwood
|
305cfs |
Black Creek Near Hartsville
|
121cfs |
Drowning Creek Near Hoffman
|
181cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Nelson Lake Dam