Comm Scope Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gary Dellinger Dam Mirror Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Comm Scope Dam, located in Catawba, North Carolina, along the Catawba River-Os, was completed in 1967 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This privately owned dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is classified as an Earth dam with Stone core and Soil foundation. With a hydraulic height of 40 feet, a structural height of 50 feet, and a length of 900 feet, the dam provides a normal storage capacity of 560 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 672 acre-feet.
The dam, with a significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment, is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections. The spillway is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been modified in recent years. Emergency action plans are not explicitly mentioned in the data, but the dam is closely monitored to ensure the safety of the surrounding community in Keisters Store.
Overall, Comm Scope Dam is a crucial structure in the management of water resources in the region, playing a key role in flood control and water storage along the Catawba River-Os. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find interest in the design and operation of this dam, as well as the regulatory framework that governs its maintenance and safety.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
900 |
River Or Stream |
Catawba River-Os |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Drainage Area |
186 |
Nid Storage |
672 |
Structural Height |
50 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
50 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Comm Scope Dam