Little Mountain Aircraft Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Little Mountain Aircraft Lake Dam, located in Catawba, North Carolina, was completed in 1974 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 49 feet and a structural height of 55 feet, with a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet. Situated on South Fork Creek-Tr, the dam has a surface area of 3 acres and a low hazard potential, with a fair condition assessment as of November 2019.
The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular inspections, with the last one conducted in November 2019, and has an inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam does not have an emergency action plan in place, but it meets guidelines for risk management measures.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Little Mountain Aircraft Lake Dam an interesting structure, given its recreational purpose, location in a scenic area, and the regulatory framework in place to ensure its safety and compliance. With its modest storage capacity and low hazard potential, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management and the need for proper oversight and maintenance of dam infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1974 |
River Or Stream |
South Fork Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
49 |
Nid Storage |
66 |
Structural Height |
55 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
55 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Little Mountain Aircraft Lake Dam