North Fork Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Fork Reservoir Dam, also known as Burnette Dam, is a critical water supply infrastructure located in Swannanoa, North Carolina.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Managed by the local government, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 123 feet and a structural height of 134 feet. Completed in 1954, it serves the primary purpose of providing water supply to the region, with a storage capacity of 21,700 acre-feet and a normal storage of 17,600 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the North Fork Swannanoa River and is regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program.

With a high hazard potential, the condition of North Fork Reservoir Dam is currently assessed as satisfactory, as of the last inspection in April 2019. The dam has a drainage area of 12,864 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 27,000 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in ensuring water supply for the surrounding communities and is subject to regular inspection and enforcement by state regulatory agencies to maintain its safety and integrity. The dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are also regularly reviewed and updated to meet guidelines and ensure public safety in case of any unforeseen emergencies.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

1309

River Or Stream

North Fork Swannanoa River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

334

Hydraulic Height

123

Drainage Area

12864

Nid Storage

21700

Structural Height

134

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

134
       
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.