Andrews Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Andrews Dam, located in Avery, North Carolina, serves as a private recreational facility with a primary purpose of providing leisure activities for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 24.5 feet and a structural height of 26.5 feet, with a length of 263 feet. The dam has a significant hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, last inspected in January 2013.

Situated in Banner Elk, Andrews Dam is regulated by the NC Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources' Dam Safety Program, ensuring state oversight of its operations, inspections, and enforcement. The dam holds a normal storage capacity of 22 acre-feet, with a total storage of 26 acre-feet. While the dam does not have associated spillways or outlet gates, it is equipped with emergency action preparedness measures to mitigate any potential risks in the event of an emergency.

For water enthusiasts seeking a serene recreational spot in North Carolina, Andrews Dam offers a tranquil setting for various outdoor activities. With its beautiful surroundings and satisfactory condition, the dam provides a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the area while also highlighting the importance of proper dam management for water resource sustainability.

Dam Length

263

River Or Stream

UT to Hanging Rock Cr (C, Tr)

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

24.5

Nid Storage

26

Structural Height

26.5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
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.