Cascade Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cascade Lake Dam, located in Little River, North Carolina, is a concrete structure with a hydraulic height of 58 feet and a structural height of 58 feet.


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Summary

Built in 1919, this dam serves multiple purposes, including providing water storage of up to 2304 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 2300 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 25,600 acres and a maximum discharge rate of 50,778 cubic feet per second, Cascade Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

The dam is owned by a Public Utility and is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in August 2017. With a hazard potential designation, it is crucial for the dam owner and regulatory agencies to ensure regular inspections and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks to downstream communities and the environment. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently not specified, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness efforts.

In addition to serving its primary purpose of water storage, Cascade Lake Dam also contributes to flood control and recreation in the area. With its strategic location on the Little River and its historical significance as a key infrastructure asset, the dam represents a vital link in the region's water resource and climate resilience efforts. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, the maintenance and proper management of dams like Cascade Lake Dam will be essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1919

Dam Length

240

River Or Stream

Little River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

64

Hydraulic Height

58

Drainage Area

25600

Nid Storage

2304

Structural Height

58

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

58
       
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.