Ellis Crossroads Raw Water Reservoir Dam #1

About Ellis Crossroads Raw Water Reservoir Dam #1

The primary purpose of Ellis Crossroads Raw Water Reservoir Dam #1 is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Salisbury-rowan Utilities (local government). It impounds the Grants Creek near Salisbury.

The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 1,040 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 13 acre-feet.

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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 02/05/2025.

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.

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