Leibhart Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Morganton, North Carolina, Leibhart Lake Dam is a private-owned structure regulating water flow from the UT to Canoe Creek.


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Summary

With a structural height of 37 feet and a storage capacity of 71 acre-feet, this earth-type dam primarily serves recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 4.8 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures.

Managed by a private owner, Leibhart Lake Dam is subject to state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight to maintain its integrity and ensure public safety. The dam's inspection frequency is set at 5 years, with the most recent assessment conducted in February 2018, deeming the structure to be in fair condition. While the dam does not pose a high risk, its emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and assessment to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the surrounding community from any unforeseen events.

As a recreational dam in Burke County, Leibhart Lake Dam provides a serene environment for visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the area while engaging in outdoor activities. With a modest storage capacity and a history of minimal modifications, the dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management and the importance of maintaining infrastructure to meet both recreational and safety needs.

River Or Stream

UT to Canoe Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.8

Nid Storage

71

Structural Height

37

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.