Matthews Dam

Hicks Branch· Sampson, North Carolina· Built 1987· Earth·
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Matthews Dam is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1987 and is 39 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Length423 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage170 acre-ft
Normal Storage130 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area426 sq mi
Year Completed1987 (39 years old)
NID IDNC04141

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: October 24, 2013
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Longhorn Investments

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Matthews Dam?

Matthews 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 Matthews Dam?

Matthews Dam is owned by Longhorn Investments (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Matthews Dam built?

Matthews Dam was completed in 1987, making it 39 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 Matthews Dam?

Matthews 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 Matthews Dam last inspected?

Matthews Dam was last inspected on October 24, 2013. 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.