Morganton Watershed Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Morganton Watershed Dam, located in Morganton, North Carolina, serves as a critical water supply infrastructure for the area.


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Summary

Built in 1939, this concrete gravity dam stands at a structural height of 31 feet and has a length of 140 feet. With a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources for the region, drawing from the Henry River and covering a surface area of 24 acres.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, the Morganton Watershed Dam has been inspected regularly, with the last assessment conducted in April 2019. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition. While there have been no reported modifications in recent years, the dam remains a key asset for water supply purposes in the region.

With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the Morganton Watershed Dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water security for the residents of Burke County. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of this dam will be essential to safeguarding the community against potential risks and emergencies.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

140

River Or Stream

Henry River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

24

Drainage Area

3392

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

31
       
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.