Moravian Camp Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Moravian Camp Lake Dam, located in Ashe, North Carolina, is a private earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a structural height of 42 feet with a hydraulic height of 35 feet, this dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 47 acre-feet in the picturesque Peak Creek area. The dam, built on a stone core foundation and surrounded by soil, covers a surface area of 2 acres and has a drainage area of 42 acres.

Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Moravian Camp Lake Dam is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections for enforcement and permitting. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 840 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks detailed emergency action plans, inundation maps, and risk management measures. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the complexities of this dam's operations and potential risks is crucial for ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and recreational users.

Dam Length

480

River Or Stream

Peak Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

42

Nid Storage

47

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

42
       
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.