Donald Bell Dam

Branch Creek· Rutherford, North Carolina· Earth·
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Donald Bell Dam is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage33 acre-ft
Normal Storage16 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
NID IDNC01357

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 20, 2012
State Regulated: No

Ownership

River Bend Farms, Inc. of Rutherfordton

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Donald Bell Dam?

Donald Bell 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 Donald Bell Dam?

Donald Bell Dam is owned by River Bend Farms, Inc. of Rutherfordton (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Donald Bell Dam?

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

When was Donald Bell Dam last inspected?

Donald Bell Dam was last inspected on February 20, 2012. 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.