Belews Creek Saddle Dike #3 Dam
Belews Creek Saddle Dike #3 Dam is an earth dam located in Stokes County, North Carolina, built in 1971. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Belews Creek Saddle Dike #3 Dam
Belews Creek Saddle Dike #3 Dam is a dam in Stokes, North Carolina. The dam is owned by Duke Energy Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Ut To Dan River near Mayodan.
The dam stands 29 feet tall and stretches 830 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,863 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 263,490 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 69 square miles. Completed in 1971, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 05/06/2025.
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.
Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Stokes |
| Nearest City | Mayodan |
| River/Stream | Ut To Dan River |
| Coordinates | 36.31960, -80.03360 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 29 ft |
| Dam Length | 830 ft |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 263,490 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 263,490 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 185,110 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,863 acres |
| Drainage Area | 69 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 26,577 cfs |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | Duke Energy Corporation |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/06/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC05940 |
| Federal ID | NC05940 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |