Carter Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Carter Lake Dam #1, located in Haywood, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam that serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a small fish pond.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a structural height of 18 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in providing a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet for the surrounding area. The dam, completed in an unspecified year, has a low hazard potential and was last inspected in January 2012, with a satisfactory condition assessment.

Despite not being state regulated or permitted, Carter Lake Dam #1 has been inspected and deemed structurally sound for its intended purposes. The dam's location near Meadow Creek-Tr underscores its importance in maintaining water resources for fire protection and stock purposes. Owned privately, the dam's low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment highlight its significance in ensuring the safety and security of the local community.

Carter Lake Dam #1 stands as a testament to effective private ownership and management of water resources in North Carolina. With a history of providing essential services like fire protection and stock pond maintenance, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for the region. Its satisfactory condition assessment and low hazard potential demonstrate a commitment to safety and reliability, making Carter Lake Dam #1 a valuable asset in the face of climate challenges and water resource management.

Dam Length

200

River Or Stream

Meadow Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

58

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.