Snyder Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Snyder Pond Dam, located in Avery, North Carolina, is a private earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, standing at a structural height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 22 feet, creates a storage capacity of 0.33 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Ashely Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the Wilmington District within Congressional District 11 in North Carolina.

Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Snyder Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in December 1995, with a condition assessment of "Not Rated." It is concerning that the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and management measures are unknown, raising questions about the preparedness for potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Snyder Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam safety and management. With limited information available on its condition and risk assessment, there is a need for further evaluation and potential intervention to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of the recreational benefits provided by the dam. The high hazard potential warrants closer monitoring and potentially updated emergency preparedness measures to mitigate any potential risks associated with this private dam.

Dam Length

75

River Or Stream

Ashely Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

0.33

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
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.