Cruse Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cruse Dam, also known as Bear Creek W/S Dam #13, is a privately owned structure located in Lagrange, North Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, with a length of 500 feet. The dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction, with additional purposes including recreation. It impounds the waters of the Little Marsh Run, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 246 acre-feet.

Despite not being state regulated, Cruse Dam has been inspected for safety, with the last recorded inspection taking place in February 2008. The dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the risk management measures and emergency preparedness plans for the dam are not explicitly stated in the data. Overall, Cruse Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the intersection of private ownership, flood risk reduction, and recreational use in the management of a vital water structure.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

500

River Or Stream

Little Marsh Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

1184

Nid Storage

246

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.