Schmidt Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Schmidt Pond Dam, located in Asheville, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, this dam creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 20 acre-feet. The dam, built on Avery Creek, is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its recreational significance, Schmidt Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment as of May 2017. With a history of modification and a lack of emergency action plans or risk assessment measures in place, the dam's risk management practices are currently unclear. The dam's associated structures, such as spillways and outlet gates, are not specified, indicating a potential lack of critical infrastructure for managing water flow in case of emergencies. Overall, Schmidt Pond Dam presents a complex scenario where the balance between recreational use and safety regulations is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor closely.

Dam Length

150

River Or Stream

Avery Cr-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

20

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

20
       
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.