Circle M Ranch Lower Dam

Snow Creek· Stokes, North Carolina· Built 1968· Earth·

Key Takeaway

Circle M Ranch Lower Dam is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Length442 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage115 acre-ft
Normal Storage97 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area110 sq mi
Max Discharge406 cfs
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)
NID IDNC00405

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 14, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Brian J Martin

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Circle M Ranch Lower Dam?

Circle M Ranch Lower Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Circle M Ranch Lower Dam?

Circle M Ranch Lower Dam is owned by Brian J Martin (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Circle M Ranch Lower Dam built?

Circle M Ranch Lower Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Circle M Ranch Lower Dam?

Circle M Ranch Lower Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Circle M Ranch Lower Dam last inspected?

Circle M Ranch Lower Dam was last inspected on February 14, 2023. 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.