Metcalf Dam is an earth dam located in Polk County, North Carolina, built in 1984. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 26 ft26 ft tall and 165 ft long, taller than 55% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Metcalf Dam
The primary purpose of Metcalf Dam is fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. The dam maintains a small impoundment used for fire suppression, livestock watering, or as a fish pond. The dam is owned by Vincent a Mancarella (private). It impounds the Walnut Creek near Mill Spring.
The dam stands 26 feet tall and stretches 165 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 17 acre-feet. Completed in 1984, the structure is 42 years old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 02/05/2025.
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Location
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Polk |
| Nearest City | Mill Spring |
| River/Stream | Walnut Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.36420, -82.16850 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Length | 165 ft |
| Year Completed | 1984 (42 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 17 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 17 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Max Discharge | 83 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond |
| Owner | Vincent a Mancarella |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 02/05/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC03712 |
| Federal ID | NC03712 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |