Lake Charles Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Lake Charles Dam, located in Buncombe, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam on Grassy Creek with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 19 feet, the dam spans a length of 254 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 25 acre-feet. Despite its recreational focus, the dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition as of September 2018.

The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and its Dam Safety Program, which oversee permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities. The last inspection of Lake Charles Dam was conducted in September 2018, with a frequency of every two years. The dam does not have an emergency action plan in place, raising concerns about its readiness to respond to potential risks and emergencies.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Lake Charles Dam should take note of its location in Bat Cave, North Carolina, and the potential hazards associated with its condition. As a recreational structure with a history of poor assessment, there is a need for increased monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. More efforts are required to address the high hazard potential and to establish emergency preparedness measures for this privately owned dam.

Dam Length

254

River Or Stream

Grassy Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

25

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

19
       
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.