Allen Inactive Ash Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Allen Inactive Ash Basin Dam, located in Red River, North Carolina, was completed in 1957 and stands at a structural height of 50 feet with a hydraulic height of 36.8 feet.


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Summary

This earth-type dam spans 3,130 feet and has a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet. Situated on the Catawba River-Os, the dam serves a critical purpose in managing water resources in the region, with a drainage area of 233 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1,061 cubic feet per second.

Despite its significant role in water management, the Allen Inactive Ash Basin Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its location and design. However, recent inspections have deemed its condition as satisfactory, ensuring its continued functionality. While the dam is not state-regulated, it undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and efficacy. The dam is owned by a public utility and is crucial for the surrounding community's water supply and flood control measures.

As a key infrastructure in the region, the Allen Inactive Ash Basin Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. Its strategic location, high hazard potential, and satisfactory condition underscore the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community. With its significant storage capacity and discharge capabilities, the dam serves as a critical asset in safeguarding the region against floods and maintaining water supply stability.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

3130

River Or Stream

Catawba River-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

36.8

Drainage Area

233

Nid Storage

69

Structural Height

50

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

50
       
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.