Holly Berry Mountain Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Holly Berry Mountain Dam, located in Jackson County, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1965 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Situated on a tributary to Green Creek, this dam stands at a structural height of 25.4 feet and has a hydraulic height of 19.4 feet. With a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 2.8 acres and serves a drainage area of 436 square miles.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of December 2016, Holly Berry Mountain Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its age and the surrounding environmental factors. The dam is regulated and inspected by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program, ensuring that it meets state safety standards. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are currently not specified in the available data, suggesting that further evaluation and updates may be necessary to enhance the safety and resilience of this vital water resource.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique characteristics of Holly Berry Mountain Dam make it an intriguing site for exploration and conservation efforts. Its location in the picturesque Jackson County, North Carolina, and its role in providing recreational opportunities underscore the importance of maintaining and monitoring this dam for the benefit of the local community and ecosystem. With ongoing inspections and potential risk assessments, Holly Berry Mountain Dam represents a valuable asset that requires continued attention and stewardship in the face of changing environmental conditions and evolving safety standards.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

450

River Or Stream

Trib. to Green Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.8

Hydraulic Height

19.4

Drainage Area

436

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

25.4

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
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.