Knight Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Knight Pond Dam, located in Newland, North Carolina, is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

The dam, constructed of earth, stands at a structural height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 10 acre-feet. While the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, it is considered to have a high hazard potential.

Despite being exempt from state regulation, Knight Pond Dam underwent its last inspection in March 1995 and is deemed to meet inspection requirements. However, with a high hazard potential, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures remain unclear. The dam poses a potential risk to the surrounding area in the event of a failure, making it crucial for proper monitoring and maintenance.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Knight Pond Dam serves as an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and recreational usage. Its location along Handpole Branch-Tr in Avery County, North Carolina, presents unique challenges and opportunities for sustainable water resource management. As discussions around dam safety and emergency preparedness continue, further scrutiny and assessment of Knight Pond Dam's condition and risk mitigation strategies are essential to ensure the safety of both the dam and the surrounding community.

River Or Stream

Handpole Branch-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Nid Storage

10

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.