Charles L. Turner Reservoir Dam

Charles L. Turner Reservoir Dam is a concrete dam located in Chatham County, North Carolina, built in 2009. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Charles L. Turner Reservoir Dam

Charles L. Turner Reservoir Dam is a dam in Chatham, North Carolina. The dam is owned by Town Of Siler City (local government). It impounds the Rocky River near Siler City.

The dam stands 12 feet tall and stretches 170 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 53 square miles. Completed in 2009, the structure is relatively new.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 01/15/2025.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The North Carolina dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNorth Carolina
CountyChatham
Nearest CitySiler City
River/StreamRocky River
Coordinates35.76285, -79.45560

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeConcrete
NID Height12 ft
Dam Length170 ft
Year Completed2009 (17 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage150 acre-ft
Max Storage150 acre-ft
Normal Storage120 acre-ft
Drainage Area53 sq mi
Max Discharge578 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeOther
OwnerTown of Siler City
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection01/15/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNC00619
Federal IDNC00619
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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