Biltmore Lake Dam, also known as Enka Lake Dam, stands as a private structure in Buncombe, North Carolina, along Bill Moore Creek.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
French Broad River At Asheville
|
963cfs |
Swannanoa River At Biltmore
|
71cfs |
French Broad River Near Fletcher
|
787cfs |
Mills River Near Mills River
|
92cfs |
Pigeon River Near Canton
|
171cfs |
East Fork Pigeon River Near Canton
|
67cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Powhatan Campground
|
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Lake Powhatan
|
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firefighter island campsite
|
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North Mills River Campground
|
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North Mills River
|
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Campfire Lodgings
|