Bonsal Tailings Dam

Island Creek· Anson, North Carolina· Built 1976· Earth·
High Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Bonsal Tailings Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 years old. Its primary use is tailings. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length6,900 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.8K acre-ft
Surface Area75 acres
Drainage Area58 sq mi
Year Completed1976 (50 years old)
NID IDNC01439

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 24, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

BV Hedrick Gravel & Sand Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bonsal Tailings Dam?

Bonsal Tailings Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bonsal Tailings Dam?

Bonsal Tailings Dam is owned by BV Hedrick Gravel & Sand Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bonsal Tailings Dam built?

Bonsal Tailings Dam was completed in 1976, making it 50 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Bonsal Tailings Dam?

Bonsal Tailings Dam serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Bonsal Tailings Dam last inspected?

Bonsal Tailings Dam was last inspected on August 24, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.