Beam Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Beam Lake Dam, located in Cherryville, North Carolina, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
This private Earth dam stands at a structural height of 23 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet, and a length of 275 feet, providing a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Beaver Dam-Os river/stream and falls under the jurisdiction of the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite being categorized as low hazard potential, the condition of Beam Lake Dam has not been officially rated since its last inspection in October 2016. With no state regulatory agency overseeing its operations, the dam remains in a state of uncertainty when it comes to risk assessment, emergency action plans, and inundation mapping. However, the dam is equipped with an outlet gate and has undergone periodic inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Beam Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in both local water management and ecological conservation. With its unique location and diverse purposes, this dam highlights the importance of regular inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness in maintaining the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure in North Carolina and beyond.
Dam Length |
275 |
River Or Stream |
Beaver Dam-Os |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Indian Creek Near Laboratory
|
34cfs |
Long Creek Near Bessemer City
|
12cfs |
South Fork Catawba River At Lowell
|
356cfs |
Killian Creek Near Mariposa
|
10cfs |
Jacob Fork At Ramsey
|
16cfs |
First Broad River Near Casar
|
46cfs |
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.
Beam Lake Dam