Rhodes Pond Dam

Black River· Cumberland, North Carolina· Built 1770· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Rhodes Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1770 and is 256 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Length3,300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.9K acre-ft
Surface Area120 acres
Drainage Area38,400 sq mi
Max Discharge594 cfs
Year Completed1770 (256 years old)
Year Modified2011
NID IDNC01145

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: Yes
Last Inspection: July 25, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

NC Wildlife Resources Commission

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rhodes Pond Dam?

Rhodes Pond 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 Rhodes Pond Dam?

Rhodes Pond Dam is owned by NC Wildlife Resources Commission (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rhodes Pond Dam built?

Rhodes Pond Dam was completed in 1770, making it 256 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 Rhodes Pond Dam?

Rhodes Pond 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 Rhodes Pond Dam last inspected?

Rhodes Pond Dam was last inspected on July 25, 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.