Straus Pond Dam, also known as High Cliffs At Carolina, Ponderosa Lake Dam, and Lake Tsuga, is a private earth dam located in Fairview, North Carolina.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1953, this dam primarily serves as a recreational area for enthusiasts looking to enjoy the serene surroundings of Rocky Fork Creek. With a hydraulic height of 34.7 feet and a structural height of 38 feet, this dam provides a maximum storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, making it a crucial water resource for the local community.
Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Straus Pond Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, according to the latest assessment in September 2018. Despite being privately owned, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. In case of emergencies, the dam is expected to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, although details on its preparation and guidelines adherence are not provided in the data.
Overall, Straus Pond Dam stands as a significant structure in the water resource infrastructure of Buncombe County, North Carolina, offering both recreational opportunities and essential water storage capabilities. With its picturesque location and crucial role in the surrounding ecosystem, this dam serves as a testament to the intersection of human development and environmental stewardship in the region.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
373 |
River Or Stream |
Rocky Fork Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
34.7 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
38 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Creekside Mountain Camping
|
||
Catawba Falls Campground, LLC
|
||
Blue Ridge Parkway Tent
|