Straus Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

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
       
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.