Holcombe Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Holcombe Dam, also known as North Lake Dam, is a private structure located in Marshall, North Carolina.


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Summary

The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, serves primarily for recreation purposes along the Flat Creek-Tr river. With a hydraulic height of 20.5 feet and a structural height of 26 feet, the dam provides a surface area of 2 acres and a drainage area of 93 acres. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition with a high hazard potential.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Holcombe Dam has a maximum storage capacity of 21 acre-feet and a normal storage of 12 acre-feet. The dam's last inspection in March 2018 deemed its condition satisfactory, with a moderate risk level. With a history of moderate risk management measures and emergency action plans in place, Holcombe Dam presents an intriguing site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study the intersection of dam safety, recreational use, and environmental concerns in the beautiful Buncombe County landscape.

Dam Length

177

River Or Stream

Flat Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

20.5

Drainage Area

93

Nid Storage

21

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.