Elkin Reservoir Dam
Elkin Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Surry County, North Carolina. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Elkin Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Elkin Reservoir Dam 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 Town Of Elkin (local government). It impounds the Elkin Creek near Elkin.
The dam stands 17 feet tall and stretches 1,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 9 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 61 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles.
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 04/03/2025.
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 | Surry |
| Nearest City | Elkin |
| River/Stream | Elkin Creek |
| Coordinates | 36.26240, -80.86830 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 17 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 61 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 61 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Town of Elkin |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 04/03/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NC04298 |
| Federal ID | NC04298 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |