Melrose Mountain Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Melrose Mountain Dam #1, located in Valhalla, North Carolina, was completed in 1972 and serves as a private recreational facility.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 39 feet and a structural height of 45 feet, with a length of 300 feet. The dam provides a surface area of 4 acres and has a normal storage capacity of 31 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 52 acre-feet.

Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Melrose Mountain Dam #1 was found to be in satisfactory condition during its last assessment in 2015. The dam is situated along the UT to Big Falls Creek (Trout) river or stream, contributing to a drainage area of 96 square miles.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Melrose Mountain Dam #1 an intriguing site for its recreational purpose and its role in water management. With its picturesque location and important function in regulating water flow, this dam represents a blend of human ingenuity with natural beauty, showcasing the intricate relationship between water resources and environmental stewardship in North Carolina.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

300

River Or Stream

UT to Big Falls Creek (Trout)

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

39

Drainage Area

96

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

45

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

45
       
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.