Table Rock Fish Hatchery Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Table Rock Fish Hatchery Dam, located in Morganton, North Carolina, serves as a critical structure for fish and wildlife preservation along the Irish Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1947, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 18.5 feet and a structural height of 22.8 feet, with a length of 245 feet. The dam has a significant hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of May 2013.

With a storage capacity of 33 acre-feet, the Table Rock Fish Hatchery Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining a normal storage level of 20 acre-feet for the surrounding area. The dam covers a surface area of 3 acres and drains from a large watershed with a drainage area of 2886 square miles. Despite being state-inspected, the dam is not regulated by the state and lacks state permitting and enforcement.

Although lacking in some state regulatory oversight, the Table Rock Fish Hatchery Dam remains an essential structure for fish and wildlife management in the region. Its strategic location and purpose make it a key component in the conservation efforts along Irish Creek, contributing to the overall ecological balance and biodiversity of the area.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

245

River Or Stream

Irish Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

18.5

Drainage Area

2886

Nid Storage

33

Structural Height

22.8

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

23
       
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.