Linville Land Harbor Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Linville Land Harbor Dam, located in Pineola, North Carolina, on the Linville River, serves as a vital water resource for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 2010, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 31 feet and has a hydraulic height of 22 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 900 acre-feet. With a surface area of 150 acres and a drainage area of 12,160 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage for the surrounding area.

Maintained by a private owner, the Linville Land Harbor Dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. The dam has a high hazard potential but was found to be in satisfactory condition during its last inspection in December 2016. The emergency action plan was last revised in May 2010, ensuring that necessary measures are in place to address any potential risks or emergencies that may arise. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam continues to provide essential recreational opportunities while safeguarding the surrounding community from potential water-related hazards.

With a history of effective management and regular inspections, the Linville Land Harbor Dam remains a key component in the water resource infrastructure of Avery County, North Carolina. Its role in providing recreational opportunities while ensuring the safety and well-being of the surrounding area showcases the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the crucial role that dams like Linville Land Harbor play in balancing the needs of communities and the environment for a resilient and sustainable future.

Year Completed

2010

Dam Length

560

River Or Stream

Linville River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

150

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

12160

Nid Storage

900

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

31
       
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.