Rauchfuss Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rauchfuss Lake Dam, located in Legerwood, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1972 by the USDA NRCS, the dam stands at a structural height of 27 feet with a hydraulic height of 23 feet. It spans a length of 347 feet and has a storage capacity of 29 acre-feet, offering a surface area of 3 acres for visitors to enjoy.

The dam is regulated and inspected by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program to ensure its safety and adherence to state guidelines. With a significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of January 2018, the dam poses a moderate risk level. In case of emergencies, the dam currently has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates. While the dam has not undergone recent modifications, regular inspections are conducted every two years to monitor its integrity.

Overall, Rauchfuss Lake Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in Caldwell County, North Carolina, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. Its history, design, and regulatory oversight make it a noteworthy structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of human infrastructure and natural landscapes.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

347

River Or Stream

Church Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

165

Nid Storage

29

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.