Cabe Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cabe Pond Dam, located in Fires Creek, North Carolina, is a private earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a structural height of 27 feet with a hydraulic height of 23.8 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 9 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition.

With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Cabe Pond Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. The dam controls the flow of Moss Branch and has a maximum discharge capacity of 325 cubic feet per second. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam poses potential risks that necessitate ongoing risk management measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is crucial for guiding response efforts. While the EAP was last revised in October 2015, it meets guidelines for emergency preparedness. The dam's location in Clay County, North Carolina, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring this essential water resource structure for the benefit of the local community and the surrounding environment.

Dam Length

162

River Or Stream

Moss Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

23.8

Nid Storage

12

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.