Helms Dam

Cold Water Creek· Cabarrus, North Carolina· Earth·
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

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

Physical Details

Dam Length105 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage30 acre-ft
Normal Storage21 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area80 sq mi
Max Discharge73 cfs
NID IDNC04928

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: September 28, 2017
State Regulated: No

Ownership

George W Helms

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Helms Dam?

Helms 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 Helms Dam?

Helms Dam is owned by George W Helms (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Helms Dam?

Helms 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 Helms Dam last inspected?

Helms Dam was last inspected on September 28, 2017. 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.