Orchard Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Spring Farm Pond Dam Lake Sheila Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Orchard Lake Dam, located in Melrose, North Carolina, is a private earth dam on the Pacolet River-Tr that was completed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
With a structural height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 19 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, providing a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 6 acres. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type of the dam ensures the safety of the surrounding area in case of high water levels.
The dam has a high hazard potential, but its condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in May 2015. The dam is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. The risk assessment for Orchard Lake Dam indicates a moderate risk level, with no specific risk management measures mentioned in the data. With its scenic location and recreational purpose, Orchard Lake Dam is a notable feature in Henderson County, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate its engineering and environmental impact.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
175 |
River Or Stream |
Pacolet River-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Orchard Lake Dam