Kanuga Conference Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, the Kanuga Conference Lake Dam is a private earth dam constructed in 1966 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

The dam is primarily used for recreation purposes and stands at a structural height of 29.5 feet, with a hydraulic height of 23 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 16 acre-feet and a surface area of 26 acres, providing a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

Managed by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, the Kanuga Conference Lake Dam is state regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a significant hazard potential that is rated as satisfactory in condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam's risk management measures are not specified, suggesting potential areas for improvement to enhance safety and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

With its scenic location on Little Mud Creek and ties to the USDA NRCS, the Kanuga Conference Lake Dam serves as a notable example of water resource management in North Carolina. As climate change impacts continue to affect water resources, ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and risk management efforts will be crucial to ensure the safety and sustainability of this recreational dam for future generations of enthusiasts and visitors.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

445

River Or Stream

Little Mud Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

16

Structural Height

29.5

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.