Woodfin Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Woodfin Reservoir Dam, also known as Sugar Camp Fork Dam, is a crucial water supply infrastructure located in the Beech Community of Buncombe, North Carolina.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this dam plays a vital role in providing water to the surrounding area, with a storage capacity of 157 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.6 acres. The dam, primarily constructed for water supply purposes, stands at a structural height of 81 feet, with a hydraulic height of 69 feet, ensuring the efficient management of the Sugar Camp Fork River's flow.

Despite its essential role in water resource management, Woodfin Reservoir Dam carries a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in fair condition as of its last inspection in March 2015. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place to ensure its safe operation. Additionally, the dam does not fall under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, highlighting its local governance and management structure.

With a drainage area of 1114 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 157,881 cubic feet per second, Woodfin Reservoir Dam stands as a critical piece of infrastructure in the region's water resource and climate management efforts. Its strategic location, efficient design, and state-regulated operations make it a key player in ensuring water supply reliability and flood control measures for the Beech Community and surrounding areas in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Dam Length

420

River Or Stream

Sugar Camp Fork

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.6

Hydraulic Height

69

Drainage Area

1114

Nid Storage

157

Structural Height

81

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

81
       
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.