Nolen Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nolen Pond Dam, located in Buncombe, North Carolina, is a private dam primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a structural height of 15 feet, this earth dam poses a high hazard potential and was last inspected in March 1989. Despite not being state regulated or permitted, the dam does undergo regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.

With no associated structures and no specific dam length or volume mentioned, Nolen Pond Dam remains a significant feature in the area for recreational purposes. While the condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated," the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are not specified. The dam's location within Congressional District 11 and its proximity to Wilmington District suggest its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Nolen Pond Dam to be an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and management. Its high hazard potential and lack of recent assessment data raise questions about its safety and the potential need for updated risk management measures. Additionally, the dam's role in providing recreational opportunities highlights the intersection of human activities with natural water systems, underscoring the importance of responsible stewardship of our water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

15
       
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.