Biltmore Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Biltmore Lake Dam, also known as Enka Lake Dam, stands as a private structure in Buncombe, North Carolina, along Bill Moore Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1933, this earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, with a storage capacity of 1523 acre-feet and a surface area of 65 acres. Despite its significant role in water supply and recreation, the dam's hazard potential is considered high, prompting state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program.

With a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 26 feet, Biltmore Lake Dam has a fair condition assessment as of 2015, with regular inspections conducted every two years. The dam's emergency action plan readiness and risk management measures are currently unspecified, raising concerns about its long-term safety and resilience. Located in Enka and overseen by a private owner, this dam's importance to the local community and surrounding areas underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued function and safety in the face of potential climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1933

Dam Length

281

River Or Stream

Bill Moore Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

1523

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.