Ewing Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ewing Lake Dam, located in Alma, North Carolina, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes along the Drowning Creek-Os.


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Summary

Built in 1952, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 22 feet and has a hydraulic height of 18 feet. With a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 20 acres and has a maximum discharge of 33 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Ewing Lake Dam is rated in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2012. The dam has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. Although not regulated by the state, the dam is subject to periodic inspections to monitor its structural integrity and overall performance.

With its picturesque location and vital role in supporting agricultural activities in the area, Ewing Lake Dam serves as a key water resource infrastructure in Montgomery County, North Carolina. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the significance of dams like Ewing Lake in providing essential water supplies for irrigation and other agricultural purposes while also ensuring their safety and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

650

River Or Stream

Drowning Ck-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.