Rocky River Reservoir Dam

Rocky River· Chatham, North Carolina· Built 1961· Earth·
Low Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Rocky River Reservoir Dam is classified as low hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Length730 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage500 acre-ft
Normal Storage403 acre-ft
Surface Area100 acres
Max Discharge1,006 cfs
Year Completed1961 (65 years old)
NID IDNC00616

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: March 8, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NCDEQ, DEMLR, Dam Safety Program

Ownership

Town of SIler City

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rocky River Reservoir Dam?

Rocky River Reservoir 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 Rocky River Reservoir Dam?

Rocky River Reservoir Dam is owned by Town of SIler City (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rocky River Reservoir Dam built?

Rocky River Reservoir Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Rocky River Reservoir Dam?

Rocky River Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Rocky River Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Rocky River Reservoir Dam was last inspected on March 8, 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.