High Meadows Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

High Meadows Lake Dam, located in Cherry Lane, North Carolina, is a privately-owned structure with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 39.9 feet and a structural height of 43 feet, this earth dam spans 600 feet and provides a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet. The dam sits on Laurel Branch-Tr, serving as a crucial water resource in Alleghany County.

Although the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, its condition assessment has been rated as fair during the latest inspection in March 2021. The dam is state-regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to maintain safety standards. Despite the potential risks associated with its hazard level, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively for irrigation and other secondary uses like fire protection, stock, small fish ponds, and recreation.

As an important structure in the region, High Meadows Lake Dam plays a vital role in water management and resource allocation in Alleghany County. With its proximity to the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam's operation and maintenance are crucial in ensuring the safety and reliability of the water supply for both agricultural and recreational purposes. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the effective management of dams like High Meadows Lake Dam becomes increasingly important for sustainable water use in the face of evolving environmental conditions.

Dam Length

600

River Or Stream

Laurel Branch-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

39.9

Drainage Area

173

Nid Storage

103

Structural Height

43

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

43
       
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.